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There was an increase in the number of drug abusers reported to the Central Registry of Drug Abusers (CRDA) in the first half of this year. The number of reported drug abusers slightly increased from 10,291 in the second half of 1999 to 10,608 in the first half of 2000, representing a 3.1% rise.

Speaking at a meeting today (September 27), the Commissioner for Narcotics, Mrs Clarie Lo, said that the newly reported drug abusers increased from 1,592 in the second half of 1999 to 2,199 in the first half of 2000.

However, a decrease of previously reported drug abusers was recorded. The number fell from 8,699 in the second half of 1999 to 8,408 in the first half of 2000, representing a decrease of 3.3%.

"For the first half of 2000, the reported number of drug abusers for the over 21 years old age group continued to decrease. The figure fell by 3.3%, from 8,849 in the second half of 1999 to 8,558 in the first half of 2000," she said.

"An increase was observed in the number of young drug abusers. A total of 2,049 drug abusers under the age of 21 were reported in the first half of 2000, as compared to 1,442 in the second half of 1999," she continued.

"Heroin remained the most common drug of abuse, being taken by about 80% of the total drug abusing population. The number of heroin abusers fell from 8,389 in the second half of 1999 to 7,727 in the first half of 2000, representing a 8% decrease."

Decrease in the number of abusers of certain types of psychotropic substances was recorded. Reported abusers of methylamphetamine ("ice") and triazolam in the first half of 2000 decreased by 12.7% and 15.3% respectively compared to the second half of 1999.

However, an increase was observed in the number of abusers of MDMA ("ecstasy"), ketamine and cannabis. Reported abusers of MDMA rose from 275 in the second half of 1999 to 1,065 in the first half of 2000, while abusers of ketamine rose from 21 to 453, and that of cannabis from 660 to 743.

Assistant Government Chemist of the Government Laboratory's Forensic Science Division, Mr Leung See-chung, pointed out that the substances contained in "ecstasy" and ketamine pose serious risks to the abusers.

"Since there is no quality control in the manufacture of drugs, the contents of the tablets are often adulterated by various substances. Tablets of the same 'brand' often vary tremendously in terms of the gross weight, the dosages, and the nature and composition of the ingredients. These substances may induce overdose and have dependence properties," Mr Leung said.

Serious adverse effects of abusing "ecstasy" include psychological disorders, such as persistent confusion, depression, anxiety and paranoia; physical disorders such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea and blurred vision. Recent research findings also link "ecstasy" use to long-term brain damage that leads to memory loss and motor disturbances.

In the past year, there were a total of 15 death cases involving "ecstasy" and four cases involving ketamine. Fatal cases involving "ecstasy" include homicide cases involving gang fights, administering of poison, rape, "fell from height" and traffic accident.

The adverse effects of ketamine include delirium, hallucination, which causes irrational behaviour of the abusers. They may suffer from loss of motor control, numbness, drowsiness and nausea. An overdose can result in unconsciousness and depressed circulatory and respiratory systems, sometimes causing death.

The fatal cases involving ketamine include collapse, fell from height, traffic accident and suicide in which the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.

"In view of the fact that these party drugs are gaining popularity rapidly, the Narcotics Division is producing an Announcement in the Public Interest (API) to remind the public, especially young people, of the dangers and serious consequences of psychotropic substance abuse," Mrs Lo said.

A series of other preventive education and publicity measures are also in line to educate the youth on the harmful effects of psychotropic substance abuse. They include the production of posters, leaflets and postcards; advertisements at KCRC stations; and setting up electronic display boards at Lowu Checkpoint to remind travellers not to bring illegal drugs in and out of Hong Kong.

"On legislative control, we will propose to tighten control over ketamine under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance later this year," Mrs Lo said.

"We are also closely monitoring the abuse trend of Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB), which is gaining popularity in Europe and the United States, with a view to tightening control over it," she said.

"We will also continue our regular liaison and exchanges with the Mainland authorities to enhance cooperation in tackling the cross boundary drug abuse and trafficking problem," she added.

The Action Committee Against Narcotics had set up a Task Force on Psychotropic Substance Abuse early this year to tackle the problem of psychotropic substance abuse. The Task Force decided to adopt a more research-based approach to get to the root of the problem of psychotropic substance abuse.

The Narcotics Division also organised a seminar for rave party organisers/promoters and venue providers in August this year. Amongst other things, the Administration and the industry agreed to draw up a Code of Practice with a view to helping party organisers to organise parties which are free from drugs and crimes.

End/Wednesday, September 27, 2000

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