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The number of reported young drug abusers under 21 has increased by 22.4% (2,064) in the first half of 2008, compared with that of the same period in 2007 (1,686), according to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA).
Members of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) were briefed on the latest drug situation at the quarterly meeting held today (September 26).
Members noted that the number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2008 was 8,657, which was 3.6% higher than the 8,354 reported in the same period of 2007.
Heroin remained the most common type of drug abused but the number of reported abusers was 3.8% lower than for the same period last year.
Continuing the trend since the end of 2007, the total number of psychotropic substance abusers (4,734) was higher than that of abusers taking heroin (4,643).
Ketamine remained the most common type of psychotropic substance. The number of reported ketamine abusers was 28.1 % higher in the first half of 2008 compared to the same period last year (from 2,231 to 2,858). Among these abusers, 61% were aged under 21.
The number of cocaine abusers has shown a sharp rise of 63.7% (from 245 to 401) in the first half of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, while the number of triazolam / midazolam / zopiclone abusers was 34.1% lower (from 1,211 to 798). Smaller numbers of abusers of ecstasy (8.6% lower), cannabis (4.1% lower) and nimetazepam (17.9% lower) were recorded.
ACAN members also noted that the three most frequently used localities for drug abuse among young abusers were home or friends' home (65.5%), recreation area or public garden or public toilet (40.7%) and disco or karaoke (32.6%).
Members discussed the youth care initiative, Path Builders, recommended by the Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse. They considered it an effective and sustainable way to tackle youth drug abuse and other youth problems, in order to help build a drug-free and caring culture in the community. They said they would take an active part in promoting it.
ACAN Chairman, Dr Choi Yuen-wan, said members were pleased to know that many significant sectors had already pledged support.
"We welcome all in society to become 'Path Builders' to pave the way for our young generation", Dr Choi added.
Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, said that government departments would join with various sectors to help youngsters stay away from drugs.
"Path Builders offers a 'menu' for the community to render assistance in different ways. Collaboration among Government and various stakeholders, including district and community organisations, professional bodies, religious groups, the commercial sector and volunteers is building up around the initiative and making the campaign a success.
"We also launched the second burst of TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest (API) in mid-September to further raise public awareness of youth drug abuse. A short-film competition and a drama workshop have also been launched to spread anti-drug messages through different channels," Ms Wong said.
Ends/Friday, September 26, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:07
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