The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) noted at its meeting today (October 9) the statistical figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures in the first half of 2025. ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2025 was lower than that of 2024, while the number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 registered a slight increase. ACAN will closely monitor the situation in the remaining quarters of 2025, and will carry out its anti-drug work according to the latest situation.

     Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first half of 2025 decreased by 4 per cent (from 3 055 to 2 919) when compared with that of 2024. The three most common types of drugs abused in the first half of 2025 were heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice"). The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 in the first half of 2025 increased from 453 to 457 when compared with the same period last year. Among these reported young drug abusers, 211 of them abused etomidate. In this group, the most common type of drugs abused was etomidate, followed by cannabis and cocaine. 

     The ACAN Chairman, Dr Donald Li, said during the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Anti-drug Summit held on September 5 this year, that participants noted the emergence of etomidate abuse in more regions in Asia. To effectively address the challenges of the present situation, community-wide education and publicity, targeting young people in particular, must be enhanced. In this regard, ACAN will continue to actively advise the Government to adopt multipronged strategies, including diversified preventive education and publicity, to protect the next generation from falling prey to etomidate or other drugs.

     Dr Li said, "The Government and ACAN have made significant efforts since early this year to combat the abuse of the emerging drug etomidate. The general public is now aware of the harmful effects caused by this drug. However, we must stay vigilant and continue to collaborate with various sectors to remind members of the public to say 'no' to etomidate. I would like to take this opportunity to urge abusers to stop vaping etomidate. Etomidate is a dangerous drug. People should not mistakenly believe that vaping etomidate is comparable to vaping regular e-cigarettes." He continued, "Drug abuse does not reduce stress. It is in turn harmful to one's physical and mental health. Abusers should quit their drug addiction without delay. Those who vape etomidate can send messages to 98 186 186 on instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186 to seek information or assistance from professional social workers."

     The Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau (SB) will continue to carry out online and offline publicity campaign with the theme "Etomidate - Don’t vape it or you’ll die like a zombie!" to give members of the public a clear understanding of the harmful effects caused by etomidate. A spokesperson for the SB said the theme of the publicity campaign, inspired by real-life examples, aimed to highlight the harmful effects of this emerging drug. Its relevant Government's TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-HbdmfY9eY) and radio API have been launched on various television and radio channels. Other relevant advertisements and publicity materials have also been displayed across the territory. Information about etomidate has been uploaded onto the dedicated webpage (www.nd.gov.hk/en/etomidate.html) for reference by the public.

     As for schools, the Government has included etomidate in voluntary drug testing under the Healthy School Programme in the 2025/26 school year. The procedures for etomidate testing will follow that of other drugs, which is that participating schools may opt for rapid urine tests or hair tests. Personal data collected during the voluntary testing are protected under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486).

     On the enforcement front, to combat etomidate-related crimes along with members of the public, the Police have set up a 24-hour etomidate reporting hotline (number: 6629 2966). Members of the public can also file reports via the instant messaging applications WhatsApp (number: 6629 2966) and WeChat (account: eto-report). 

     According to the statistical figures from law enforcement agencies (LEAs), the number of persons arrested for drug offences in the first half of 2025 increased by 20 per cent (from 1 611 to 1 938) when compared with that of 2024. The number of young arrestees aged under 21 also increased by 152 per cent (from 122 to 307). Etomidate, cannabis and cocaine were the main drugs involved in these arrests. 

     According to court cases concluded for the same period, among young offenders aged under 21 who were sentenced to imprisonment for drug trafficking, more than half of them were sentenced to over five years in prison, and the longest period of imprisonment was over 20 years. The spokesperson reminded young people not to take part in drug trafficking activities out of greed. Otherwise, there will be lifelong regrets. Young age is not a valid mitigating factor for drug offences. A plea of ignorance is not an excuse to avoid legal liability. 

     A spokesperson for the ND stressed that, "LEAs will combat drug trafficking on all fronts, particularly targeting traffickers who exploit young people. They will not be allowed to escape justice and will be severely sanctioned by the law."

     LEAs can invoke Section 56A of the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134) to seek enhanced sentencing on criminals who involve young people in drug trafficking activities. From 2009 to June 2025, a total of 38 cases were successfully brought to the court for sentence enhancement. The additional increase in sentence ranged from one month to 42 months of imprisonment.

     The statistical figures of the CRDA for the first half of 2025 are available on the website of the ND (www.nd.gov.hk/en/crda_main_charts_and_tables.html). The ND's website (www.nd.gov.hk) as well as its official accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on Facebook and Instagram also contain detailed information about dangerous drugs, including frequently asked questions about etomidate, cocaine and cannabis, for reference by the public. 

Ends/Thursday, October 9, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:05

NNNN