The total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2023 increased 12% from the same period in 2022 to 3,156, the Action Committee Against Narcotics announced today.

According to the latest Central Registry of Drug Abuse figures, the number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 dropped 13% to 368.

The most common type of drugs abused in the first half of 2023 were heroin, cocaine and “ice” (methamphetamine), while people under 21 mostly took cocaine, cannabis and ketamine.

The committee's Chairman Dr Donald Li said the global supply of cocaine has surged recently and so has the number of reported cocaine abusers in Hong Kong. He described the situation as worrying.

He added that cocaine is a highly addictive drug that can send its abusers into a quagmire of financial difficulties as well as physical and psychological addictions.

Dr Li also expressed concern over a recent rumour that drugs were suspected to be involved in post-secondary student activities in Hong Kong.

“Drugs have no place in a student's life. The committee expects tertiary institutions to step up anti-drug preventive education on campuses.”

In addition to noting that the Narcotics Division will continue to provide schools with appropriate anti-drug preventive education resources with a view to safeguarding the drug-free culture on campuses, he reminded young people to refrain from trying drugs out of curiosity or peer pressure.

According to figures from law enforcement agencies, among all the drug offence cases concluded in courts in the first half of 2023, including drug trafficking cases with offenders aged under 21, the conviction rate was close to 90%.