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The number of reported drug abusers in 2006 fell by 6.4% compared to the figure for 2005, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) was told today (March 22).
The total number in 2006 was 13,204, compared to the 2005 figure of 14,113. The decline was attributed mainly to a 10% drop in the number of drug abusers aged 21 and over, compared to that of 2005.
These figures were recorded by the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and tabled for discussion at today's Action Committee meeting.
Committee members were also told that the number of young drug abusers under 21 rose by 12% (from 2,276 to 2,549).
Heroin remained the most popular type of drugs abused in 2006 but the total number of abusers fell by 17% compared with 2005.
Ketamine was the most popular type of psychotropic substance abused last year. After dropping to 2,100 in 2005, the number of abusers rose significantly by 45% to 3,045 in 2006.
The number of nimetazepam abusers, though remained relatively low compared with that of other substances, rose significantly from 227 in 2005 to 456 in 2006. The increase was found mostly among those aged under 21, from 152 to 340.
Members noted that 1,371 people or 11.3% of the total reported drug abusers took drugs in Mainland China (mostly Shenzhen) in 2006 and 39.6% of these abusers were aged under 21. The average age was 28.
Among the youngsters, disco/karaoke was the most popular locality to abuse drugs, with a proportion of 63.9%.
Action Committee chairman Dr Choi Yuen-wan said members were concerned about the rise in the number of young abusers.
"Young people will be the primary target of our preventive education and publicity efforts in 2007-08. The problem of cross-boundary drug abuse should also be seriously addressed," Dr Choi said.
Commissioner for Narcotics, Ms Sally Wong, said that the publicity strategy to counter cross-boundary drug abuse aimed to reach young people through various channels.
"Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs) on the harmful effects of Ketamine and Ecstasy, the two drugs most commonly abused by youngsters, are being broadcast through the mass media and KCR trains. They will also be shown on outdoor TV systems and in MTR stations during the summer holidays and Christmas. Spectacular panel posters at KCR Lo Wu Station and advertisements on bus bodies and bus shelters will be displayed during long holidays." Ms Wong said.
"A TV programme of 10 one-minute episodes will be produced to spread anti-drug messages, especially the dangers of cross-boundary drug abuse. VCDs of the TV programme will be produced for distribution to schools and non-government organisations (NGOs)."
The Action Committee and Narcotics Division will also launch a new drug education kit to disseminate anti-drug messages in schools and the consequences of cross-boundary drug abuse. The kit is designed for use by Primary four, five and six for the curriculum of General Studies and Secondary School Forms one to three for the curriculum of Liberal Studies.
Under the "Sponsorship Scheme on Anti-cross-boundary Drug Abuse Projects", a total of $680,000 was granted to NGOs for organising 18 anti-drug educational and publicity programmes targeting the youth and at-risk youth.
Action Committee members also supported the proposal of organising a "Hip Hop Dance and Music Competition" in collaboration with RTHK Radio 2.
"The competition will be launched on June 3 with the grand finale in December. We hope that by engaging youngsters in the kind of activities appealing to them, the message of leading a healthy drug-free lifestyle is reinforced," Ms Wong said.
Ends/Thursday, March 22, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:02
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