Posted on September 8, 2009

The number of adolescents using drugs has increased by 25 percent since last year in Hong Kong, a statistic that is concerning health professionals and drug prevention activists.

Action Committee Against Narcotics Chairman Professor Daniel Shek said there were 8,916 drug users reported in the first six months of the year, 1.7% more than the same period last year. The number of drug users under 21 years old rose from 2,106 to 2,175. Shek said he is particularly concerned about drug users aged 12 to 15, the number of which has grown 25% from 204 to 256.

The number of newly reported female abusers under 21 increased 19.3% from 409 to 488. There were 47 drug users under 21 found in schools during the first half of the year, exceeding the 46 found for all of last year.

Shek said more young people have been identified because the popular drug ketamine is cheap and more users are willing to turn themselves in. He said there are more female users as it is easy for them to get free drugs, and some have the misconception that they can lose weight by taking amphetamines.

Committee members endorsed the trial scheme on school drug testing in Tai Po at their quarterly meeting today. It was agreed that a consultant will be hired to study the trial, due to start in December. The consultant will suggest long-term anti-drug strategies. A report is expected by August 2010.

Commissioner for Narcotics Sally Wong said the government is looking to increase sites for community drug rehabilitation. Non-governmental organizations will also soon be invited to express interest in providing the service.