The number of early teens using drugs is on the rise with 256 of them reported in the first half of the year, a 25% year-on-year increase.

Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Professor Daniel Shek said today there were 8,916 drug users reported in the first six months of the year, 1.7% more than the same period last year. The number of drug users under 21 years old rose from 2,106 to 2,175.

Prof Shek said he is particularly concerned about drug users aged 12 to 15, the number of which has grown 25% from 204 to 256.

The number of newly reported female abusers under 21 increased 19.3% from 409 to 488. There were 47 drug users under 21 found in school during the first half of the year, exceeding the 46 found for the whole of last year.

Prof Shek said the increase in reported young drug users can be attributed to the falling price of the popular drug ketamine, as well as the strengthened anti-drug promotion has motivated more users to turn themselves in. The rise in the reported number of youth drug abusers is a result of higher awareness among parents and teachers. 

He said there are more female users as it is easy for them to get free drugs, and some wrongly believed that they can lose weight by taking amphetamine.

The committee and the Government have taken various measures to address drug abuse among women, including funding outreaching teams to approach female drug abusers working in entertainment establishments and encourage them to receive assistance, providing counselling services to at-risk women through on-line chat-rooms and forums, and funding mentorship scheme for female drug abusers.

Committee members endorsed the trial scheme on school drug testing in Tai Po at their quarterly meeting today. It was agreed a consultant will be hired to study the trial, due to start in December. The consultant will suggest long-term anti-drug strategies. A report is expected by August.

Commissioner for Narcotics Sally Wong said the Government is looking to increase places for community drug rehabilitation. Non-governmental organisations will also soon be invited to express interest in providing the service.