The number of reported drug abusers in Hong Kong fell 7% year-on-year in the first half of 2020, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) announced today.

According to the latest Central Registry of Drug Abuse figures, the number of reported psychotropic substance abusers dropped 21% while the number of reported narcotic analgesic abusers went up 11% in the same period.

Heroin remained the most frequently abused drug in the city, while methamphetamine continued to be the most common psychotropic substance abused.

The committee’s Chairman Dr Ben Cheung said the majority of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 were cannabis abusers.

Commissioner for Narcotics Ivy Law said the Narcotics Division and ACAN will take forward more anti-drug publicity initiatives targeting young people and students.