HONG KONG –The number of reported drug abusers in Hong Kong in the first half of 2025 decreased by 4 percent – from 3,055 to 2,919 – when compared with that from last year, according to official data.
The three most common types of drugs abused in the first half of 2025 were heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, which is commonly known as "Ice", the Central Registry of Drug Abuse statistics showed on Thursday.
The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 in the first half of 2025 increased from 453 to 457 year-on-year.
Of the reported young drug abusers, 211 abused etomidate, or “space oil drug”. In this group, the most common type of drug abused was etomidate, followed by cannabis and cocaine, the data showed.
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The number of persons arrested for drug offenses in the first half of this year rose by 20 percent – from 1,611 to 1,938, year-on-year.
The number of young arrestees aged under 21 saw a 152-percent increase, going up from 122 to 307, with etomidate, cannabis, and cocaine being the main drugs involved in the arrests.
In February, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region took a drastic step in the fight against “space oil” by classifying etomidate as a dangerous drug, along with its three analogues, or chemical compounds that have similar effects. In July, the SAR government adopted the term “etomidate” for “space oil” on July 31 to avoid the latter’s “sugarcoated” effects.
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Noticing the increase in the number of reported young drug abusers, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) said at a meeting on Thursday that it will closely monitor the situation in the remaining quarters of 2025 and will carry out its work according to the latest situation.
Referring to the emergence of etomidate abuse in more regions in Asia, ACAN Chairman Dr Donald Li stressed on enhancing community-wide education and publicity, targeting young people in particular, to effectively address the challenges of the present situation.
Terming etomidate as a dangerous drug, he said: “People should not mistakenly believe that vaping etomidate is comparable to vaping regular e-cigarettes."
Emphasizing that drug abuse does not reduce stress and is, in turn, harmful to one's physical and mental health, he urged abusers to quit their drug addiction without delay.
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The SAR government has included etomidate in voluntary drug testing under the Healthy School Programme in the 2025/26 school year. Police, meanwhile, have set up a 24-hour etomidate reporting hotline (6629 2966).
Reminding young people not to take part in drug trafficking activities out of greed, a government spokesperson said young age is not a valid mitigating factor for drug offenses.
"Law enforcement agencies will combat drug trafficking on all fronts, particularly targeting traffickers who exploit young people. They will not be allowed to escape justice and will be severely sanctioned by the law," added the spokesperson.
