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The total number of reported drug abusers in the first quarter of 2008 (4,836) was more or less the same as that for the same period last year (4,849). However, the number of young drug abusers under 21 was 15.2% higher, rising from 1,064 to 1,226, according to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA).
Members of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) were given these figures when they analysed the latest drug situation at todayˇ¦s (June 26) quarterly meeting.
Heroin remains the drug abused by the largest number of reported abusers. The number of reported heroin abusers in the first quarter of 2008 was 7% lower than that of the same period in 2007.
The total number of psychotropic substance abusers (2,630) was higher than that of abusers taking heroin (2,599), continuing a trend since the end of 2007. Ketamine remains the most popular type of psychotropic substance abused. The number of reported ketamine abusers was 21.4% higher (from 1,287 to 1,562). Of the abusers, 64.9% were aged under 21.
A larger number of abusers of ice (from 312 to 383) and cocaine (118 to 245) was also recorded. Of cocaine abusers, 48.2% were aged under 21.
The number of ecstasy abusers was 19.4% lower (decreased from 356 to 287). The number of abusers of triazolam/midazolam/zopiclone, cannabis and nimetazepam have decreased by 30.4%, 14.5% and 27.3% respectively.
ACAN members also noted that the three most popular categories of localities to abuse drugs among youngsters were home or friendsˇ¦ home (64.6%), recreation area or public garden or public toilets (36.4%) and disco or karaoke (29.6%).
The most common reasons for taking psychotropic substances were to identify with peers (49.4%), to relieve boredom or depression or anxiety (42.9%) and for curiosity (36.4%).
Members also noted that the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, June 26, aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs pose to society and to mobilise support for drug control.
In Hong Kong, a Territory-wide Campaign Against Youth Drug Abuse will be launched on June 28. Members supported the production of a new series of TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs), posters, leaflets, booklets, exhibition panels and a theme song to disseminate anti-drug messages.
Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, said apart from the APIs and publicity materials, district-level anti-drug activities would be organised by District Councils, District Fight Crime Committees and district organisations.
ˇ§We shall also seek collaboration with community and professional organisations, business enterprises and non-governmental organisations to organise various preventive education and publicity programmes,ˇ¨ Ms Wong added.
ACAN Chairman Dr Choi Yuen-wan said a large-scale campaign would focus the attention of the whole community on the issue.
ˇ§By engaging different sectors of the community, we can combat the youth drug abuse problem much more effectively,ˇ¨ Dr Choi said.
Ends/Thursday, June 26, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:06
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