Drug abuse and drug situation in Hong Kong in first quarter of 2026
*******************************************************************
Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in the first quarter of 2026 was 1 526, while that of the same period in 2025 was 1 687. The most common reported type of drug abused in the first quarter of 2026 was heroin, followed by methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice") and cocaine.
The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 in the first quarter of 2026 was 266, of which 115 abused etomidate. Etomidate has become the most common type of drug abused among reported young drug abusers since 2025, followed by cannabis and cocaine.
Dr Li, said, "While the total number of reported drug abusers and the number of reported young drug abusers both slightly decreased, the Government must not let down its guard. Anti-drug education should start at a young age to ensure that the younger generation grows and stays healthy and stays away from drug influence throughout their lives. I welcome the Narcotics Division's initiative to launch a range of community engagement activities targeted at children of kindergartens and primary schools and their young parents this year. The activities promote a positive lifestyle and strengthen parent-child relationships, while allowing children to learn the anti-drug messages in a lively atmosphere through a more down-to-earth and interactive way, thereby enabling them to acquire the relevant knowledge more easily."
A spokesperson for the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau said, "The roving 'Drug-free Camp' pop-up anti-drug game booth, launched in mid-April 2026, has been well received. It will continue to be staged in various districts across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. The booth helps the younger generation learn to distinguish between healthy and harmful substances as well as develop drug-refusal skills in an interactive fashion. As for the 'Mascots City Hunt' territory-wide public engagement initiative and the generative AI-powered anti-drug animation series and educational materials to be rolled out in the second half of 2026, they all aim to promote healthy living, strengthen family ties and help children build anti-drug resilience from an early age."
The spokesman also highlighted that methamphetamine, or "Ice", rose from third to second among the most commonly abused drugs in the first quarter of 2026. Hence, the relevant publicity against "Ice" has accordingly been stepped up, including enhanced broadcasting of the Government's TV and radio announcements "'Ice' can mentally cripple you!".
According to the statistical figures from the law enforcement agencies, the total number of persons arrested for drug offences in the first quarter of 2026 decreased by 11 per cent (from 940 to 833) when compared with that of 2025. The number of young arrestees aged under 21 also decreased by 2 per cent (from 140 to 137). Cannabis, cocaine and etomidate 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 85 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 28 years.
During the upcoming summer holiday, young people are reminded to stay away from drugs, particularly to be alert to free trips luring them to carry dangerous drugs across borders as "drug mules". Moreover, they should not give out their addresses for receiving "drug parcels". Young age is not a valid mitigating factor for drug offences. In Hong Kong, the maximum penalty for trafficking in a dangerous drug is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.
The statistical figures of the CRDA for the first quarter of 2026 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) contains detailed information about drugs, including frequently asked questions about etomidate, cocaine and cannabis, for the public's reference. The public can also visit the ND's social media accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
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/Friday, June 12, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:00
Issued at HKT 19:00
NNNN