​The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) noted at its meeting today (March 17) the figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures for 2025. ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in 2025 was lower than that in 2024.
      
     Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in 2025 decreased by 2 per cent (from 5 179 to 5 077) compared with that in 2024. The three most common types of drugs abused in 2025 were heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice"). The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 decreased from 734 in 2024 to 698 in 2025, with 340 of them abusing etomidate. Etomidate became the most common type of drug abused among these reported young drug abusers since the first quarter of 2025, followed by cannabis and cocaine.
      
     The Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, said, "ACAN is deeply concerned about the rising number of reported etomidate abusers, which increased from 309 in 2024 to 615 in 2025, with about 55 per cent of them being young drug abusers aged under 21. ACAN, together with the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, will continue to step up education and publicity efforts to assist members of the public to consciously stay away from drugs."
      
     Dr Li reminds the public that etomidate and all its analogues are dangerous drugs. The illegal use of etomidate and its analogues causes serious physical and mental harm, and even death. He stressed, "The only safe path is to stay completely drug-free - never risk your future out of curiosity, peer pressure or false bravado. Drug abuse leads to disgraceful and undignified behaviour, and being filmed and uploaded to social media is definitely far from 'cool'. Furthermore, it is a serious mistake to believe that vaping etomidate using e-cigarettes can help evade legal consequences. In fact, law enforcement agencies have from time to time arrested individuals for the illegal possession of e-cigarette capsules laced with etomidate. With effect from April 30 this year, it will also be illegal to possess e-cigarette capsules in public places in Hong Kong."
      
     A spokesperson for the ND said, "Over the past year, with the support of the community, we have invested heavily in preventive education and publicity work against etomidate. Since 2024, in response to the etomidate situation, the ND has launched successive campaigns to debunk community misconceptions and highlight the harms of this emerging drug."
      
     As part of the Government's ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse, a new anti-etomidate campaign was launched today, featuring renowned artiste, Aaron Kwok. In addition to the TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs), there are also posters and banners bearing the slogans "Etomidate: Not once, not ever!" and "Listen to me: Let's stand firm. Knock drugs out!" being displayed across major public transport facilities, prominent billboards, entrances to cross-harbour tunnels, housing estates and government premises, etc. The aim of these materials is to raise public awareness of the dangers of the abuse of etomidate.
      
     According to the statistical figures from law enforcement agencies, the number of persons arrested for drug offences in 2025 increased by 27 per cent (from 3 243 to 4 108) when compared with that in 2024. The number of young arrestees aged under 21 also increased, by 90 per cent (from 301 to 573). Etomidate, cannabis and cocaine were the main drugs involved in these arrests. According to the court cases concluded in the same period, the conviction rate of persons being prosecuted for drug offences was as high as 86 per cent. As for 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 imprisonment was over 20 years.
      
     With the Easter holidays approaching, the ND reminds young people not to try drugs out of curiosity nor to participate in free trips to transport dangerous drugs across borders as "drug mules" out of greed. Young age is not a valid mitigating factor for drug offences. Drug trafficking is a serious crime worldwide, and in some places, individuals convicted of this crime can be sentenced to death. In Hong Kong, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
      
     The statistical figures of the CRDA for 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 social media accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on Facebook and Instagram also contain detailed information about drugs, including frequently asked questions about etomidate, cocaine and cannabis for the public's reference.
      
     If members of the public encounter any drug problems, they 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 Police also operates 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) or WeChat (account: eto-report).

Ends/Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:10

NNNN