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The number of reported young drug abusers under 21 in 2008 recorded a 14.4% increase (from 2,999 to 3,430) over 2007, members of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) were told at today¡¦s (March 26) quarterly meeting.
In reviewing the drug situation of last year, members also learned that the number of reported drug abusers in 2008 was 14,175, which was 4.3% higher than the 13,591 reported in 2007. The proportion of young drug abusers increased further from 22.1% in 2007 to 24.2% in 2008.
Heroin remained the single most popular drug abused but the total number of reported heroin abusers was 2.4% lower than that of 2007.
Continuing the trend since the end of 2007, the total number of psychotropic substance abusers (8,306) was again higher than that of abusers taking narcotic analgesics (7,260).
Among the psychotropic substances abused, ketamine remained the most common type. The number of reported ketamine abusers was 24.2% higher (increasing from 4,058 to 5,042). Among these abusers, 57.9% were aged under 21.
The number of reported ice abusers rose by 22.3% (from 1,112 to 1,360) and became the second most common psychotropic substance abused.
Smaller numbers of abusers of triazolam/midazolam/zopiclone (26.5% lower), ecstasy (13.5% lower), cannabis (3.6% lower), cocaine (4.5% lower), cough medicine (7.0% lower) and nimetazepam (19.9% lower) were recorded.
In the meeting, members discussed publicity strategies for disseminating anti-drug messages to the community, including the policy to engage people from various walks of life, including professionals, parents, rehabilitated drug abusers, athletes and artistes, in anti-drug publicity work.
Noting the influence of youth idols on fans, Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, called on celebrities to lead a healthy life and set a good example for young people.
"We will try our best to ensure that promoters of our anti-drug messages are of good character, healthy image and have solid credentials," Ms Wong said.
ACAN Chairman, Professor Daniel Shek Tan-lei, said that while celebrities might draw the attention of youngsters, it was of utmost importance that they led wholesome lives to avoid undermining the messages they were supposed to deliver.
Members also expressed concern about the drug abuse problem in local schools. They supported the Government's initiatives, including the adoption of the healthy school policy, production of resource kits, provision of structured professional training for teachers and adoption of voluntary school-based drug testing scheme, in coping with the problem.
Professor Shek said research studies and experience showed that youth drug abuse always correlated with other growth and family problems faced by the youngsters.
"We cannot work alone in the fight against youth drug abuse. Concerted efforts from parents and teachers and all sectors of the community are essential in curbing the problem," he said.
Ms Wong noted that different government departments would maintain close collaboration to provide assistance to those in need. The website of the Narcotics Division (ND) (www.nd.gov.hk) contained a wealth of information on fighting drug abuse. Members of the public may also call the ND¡¦s number (2366 8822) to make enquiries.
Ends/Thursday, March 26, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:41
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