BEIJING – China's new drug users under the age of 35 fell by more than 40 percent year-on-year in 2025, Chinese anti-narcotics authorities said on Wednesday, noting a growing awareness among young people of the risks of drug abuse.

The number of newly identified drug users aged under 35 dropped 41.6 percent from a year earlier, Wei Xiaojun, an official from the office of the China National Narcotics Control Commission, said at a press conference.

The figures come as China intensifies efforts to curb drug-related crimes and prevent substance abuse among young people through enforcement campaigns, public education, and international cooperation.

ALSO READ: China clamps down on cross-border drug trade

Wei, executive deputy director of the office and head of the Ministry of Public Security's narcotics control bureau, said Chinese anti-drug authorities solved around 27,000 drug-related criminal cases in 2025, arrested 41,000 suspects, and seized 33.5 tonnes of narcotics.

Over the past year, anti-drug authorities nationwide have continued to strengthen the comprehensive management of drug-related issues, advanced international anti-narcotics cooperation, and achieved new progress in the country's anti-drug efforts, Wei said.