The number of reported drug abusers in the first quarter dropped by 6.8% year-on-year to 3,970, the Security Bureau said today.

According to the latest figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse, the number of reported young drug abusers under 21 dropped 24.2% to 561. The number of newly reported drug abusers decreased 12% to 763, while those under 21 dropped 6.3% to 296.

The numbers of reported female and male drug abusers were down 11.3% and 5.8%.

The number of reported abusers taking narcotic analgesics was 2,303 and the number of reported psychotropic substance abusers was 2,043.

Heroin remained the most popular drug among reported abusers, but the number of reported heroin abusers dropped 1.7%.

Among psychotropic substances, ketamine was the most commonly abused. The number of reported ketamine abusers dropped 21% to 1,017. Among these abusers, 32.7% were aged under 21.

Commissioner for Narcotics Erika Hui said the Government will continue to implement its anti-drug work in community mobilisation, community support, drug testing, treatment, and law enforcement.

"The Government has in parallel enhanced the anti-drug telephone service 186 186, through which youths, parents and members of the public can acquire anti-drug information or seek professional help."