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The total number of reported drug abusers in the first three quarters this year was 10,996, which was about the same as that for the same period in 2006. The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) discussed the latest drug situation at its quarterly meeting today (December 20).
However, the number of reported young drug abusers under 21 was 9.5% higher than that for the same period of 2006, rising from 2,059 to 2,255.
The proportion of reported young drug abusers under 21 was 20.5% in the first three quarters of 2007, higher than that for the same period of 2006 (18.9%).
According to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA), heroin remained the most common type of drug abused. The total number of reported heroin abusers was 9.5% lower than that of the same period of 2006.
Of all types of psychotropic substances abused, ketamine is the most common, especially among young people. The number of reported abusers was 29% higher (from 2,349 to 3,038) compared to the same period last year. Among the abusers, 58.5% were aged under 21.
ACAN members also noted the increase in the number of reported abusers of ice (from 653 to 823) and cocaine (from 284 to 450).
Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, called on young people to stay alert and guard against the temptation of drugs during the festive season.
¡°According to the CRDA figures, home, friends' homes, discos and karaokes are the most popular venues for young people to take drugs,¡± she said.
¡°Young people should know that those who offer you drugs are not really your friends. If you stand firm and say 'No' to them, you're real smart and 'cool'.¡±
¡°You know that ketamine, ecstasy, ice, cannabis, cocaine and other drugs you see at parties are dangerous drugs. They will cause irrecoverable damage to your brain and health.¡±
¡°Furthermore, taking drugs is an offence under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance,¡± Ms Wong said. ¡°A person convicted of the offence is liable to seven years' imprisonment and a fine of $1 million.¡±
ACAN members were also briefed at the meeting on a recent visit to Shanghai and Beijing by a delegation comprising Commissioner for Narcotics, ACAN chairman and sub-committee chairmen, Research Advisory Group Convenor and Narcotics Division officers.
The objective of the visit was to establish contacts with the Mainland counterparts, share experience on the latest trends and measures in anti-drug work, and explore co-operation opportunities.
ACAN Chairman Dr Choi Yuen-wan said delegates were impressed by the rapid developments of anti-drug work on the Mainland.
¡°There is a need to continue the exchange of ideas in future. Both Beijing and Shanghai recognise the challenge of the rising trend of psychotropic substance abuse and the need for new strategies to fight the anti-drug war,¡± Dr Choi said.
Ends/Thursday, December 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 17:33
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