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The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) in its quarterly meeting today (December 18) reviewed the drug situation in the first three quarters of 2009 and noted a rise of 6.8% in the number of young drug abusers between 12 and 15 (from 587 to 627) as compared to the same period last year. The number of young drug abusers under 21 (2,804) remained more or less the same.
They also expressed concern at the 10.8% rise in the number of reported female abusers aged under 21 (from 865 to 958) over the same period of 2008.
Heroin remained the single most popular drug abused but the total number of reported heroin abusers was 2.5% lower than that of the same period of 2008.
The total number of psychotropic substance abusers (6,742) was again higher than that of abusers taking narcotic analgesics (5,977).
Among the psychotropic substances abused, ketamine remained the most common. The number of reported ketamine abusers was 3.1% higher (increasing from 4,040 to 4,164). Among these abusers, 56.1% were aged under 21.
The number of abusers of cough medicine (10.8% higher) and triazolam/midazolam/zopiclone (2.8% higher) also increased.
Smaller numbers of abusers of ecstasy (34.3% lower), cocaine (32.4% lower), nimetazepam (18.3% lower) and cannabis (16.4% lower) were recorded.
Under Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, also attended today's meeting and exchanged views with members on the drug situation in Hong Kong and ways to tackle youth drug abuse. He joined ACAN Chairman Professor Daniel Shek Tan-lei and members to distribute anti-drug publicity materials to travellers at Lo Wu Boundary Control Point.
"Apart from the function at Lo Wu Boundary Control Point today, Narcotics Division will organise anti-drug publicity activities with other organisations in the coming fortnight. These include anti-drug leaflets distribution at cross border coach terminuses and karaoke shops and the anti-drug soccer competition on Sunday," Mr Lai said.
"During the festivities, activities targeting youngsters will also be held in different districts so that they can make good use of their spare time and spend a drug-free holiday," he said.
Mr Lai further emphasised that drug taking, possessing and trafficking were all serious offences and offenders were liable to severe punishment. He appealed to the public to respect the law when spending the holidays, whether in or outside Hong Kong.
"The Government adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards drugs. We have stepped up the various measures under the five-pronged anti-drug strategy in this festive season", he said.
Joining the appeal, Professor Shek urged youngsters to resist the temptation of drugs and remain vigilant during the festivities.
He said, "With the Christmas and New Year approaching, we will reinforce the publicity efforts against drugs. Youngsters are especially reminded to stand firm against and say 'NO' to drugs. Taking drugs is not 'cool' and those who offer you drugs are not your real friends. Even the very first attempt on drugs will make you fall into the trap."
"Staying away from drugs is a wise choice. There are lots of interesting things to do during festivals. It is not worthwhile to make friends by taking drugs. I would also encourage parents to know more about their children's activities and whereabouts during holidays."
Also participating in the function at Lo Wu were Border District Deputy Commander, Mr Chiu Ming-wah; officers from Customs and Excise Department; Chairmen and members of North and Yuen Long District Fight Crime Committees; members of Junior Police Call and Sunshine TEEN Angels; as well as artistes of anti-drug TV drama series "The Beauty of the Game".
Ends/Friday, December 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:43
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