The number of drug abusers fell 6.3% to 14,714 last year, Commissioner for Narcotics Rosanna Ure says.

Speaking at an Action Committee Against Narcotics meeting today, Mrs Ure said the fall was not confined to any specific age groups. There was a decrease of 3.3% for those aged below 21, and a drop of 6.8% for those 21 and over.

Heroin remained the most abused drug for all ages, with about 70% of abusers addicted to it. Comparing 2003 with 2004, there was a mild decline of 2.2% in this category last year.

Psychotropic increase

The number of psychotropic substance abusers rose 893 and the number of ketamine abusers rose 30.1%. Among the 2,531 ketamine abusers last year, 56.6% were under 21.

Mrs Ure said the increase could be attributed to several underlying causes, adding that a better and more comprehensive reporting network also played a significant part.

Of the psychotropic substance abusers, 60% were reported by non-government organisations and government treatment centres.

"This indicates that abusers are much better informed about the availability of such services and more willing to seek assistance to deal with their drug problem."

Publicity campaign

Mrs Ure said more education and publicity programmes will be organised to encourage youngsters to lead a healthy life. Narcotics Division will launch a publicity programme targeting teenagers in collaboration with a radio station next month.

Youngsters will be invited to visit the Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre and drug treatment and rehabilitation centres to learn more about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Stressing family support played an important part in steering youngsters away from drugs, she said education and publicity programmes focusing on parenting will be devised.

Enhanced reporting

Twelve non-government projects financed by the Beat Drugs Fund will reinforce preventive education work.

The Government will improve the reporting system to enhance its accuracy, comprehensiveness and user-friendliness. Upgrading the Central Registry of Drug Abuse reporting system will bring convenience to reporting agencies which can file e-reports to Narcotics Division from April 25.