Reported Drug Abuse Decreases in 2025, But Etomidate Use Among Youth Rises, Alarmed Officials Warn

Drug abuse and drug situation in Hong Kong in 2025

The Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) noted at its meeting today (March 17) the figures of the Central Registry of Drug Abuse (CRDA) and other drug-related figures for 2025. ACAN noticed that the total number of reported drug abusers in 2025 was lower than that in 2024.

Figures from the CRDA revealed that the total number of reported drug abusers in 2025 decreased by 2 per cent (from 5 179 to 5 077) compared with that in 2024. The three most common types of drugs abused in 2025 were heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice"). The number of reported young drug abusers aged under 21 decreased from 734 in 2024 to 698 in 2025, with 340 of them abusing etomidate. Etomidate became the most common type of drug abused among these reported young drug abusers since the first quarter of 2025, followed by cannabis and cocaine.

The Chairman of ACAN, Dr Donald Li, said, "ACAN is deeply concerned about the rising number of reported etomidate abusers, which increased from 309 in 2024 to 615 in 2025, with about 55 per cent of them being young drug abusers aged under 21. ACAN, together with the Narcotics Division (ND) of the Security Bureau, will continue to step up education and publicity efforts to assist members of the public to consciously stay away from drugs."

Dr Li reminds the public that etomidate and all its analogues are dangerous drugs. The illegal use of etomidate and its analogues causes serious physical and mental harm, and even death. He stressed, "The only safe path is to stay completely drug-free - never risk your future out of curiosity, peer pressure or false bravado. Drug abuse leads to disgraceful and undignified behaviour, and being filmed and uploaded to social media is definitely far from 'cool'. Furthermore, it is a serious mistake to believe that vaping etomidate using e-cigarettes can help evade legal consequences. In fact, law enforcement agencies have from time to time arrested individuals for the illegal possession of e-cigarette capsules laced with etomidate. With effect from April 30 this year, it will also be illegal to possess e-cigarette capsules in public places in Hong Kong."

A spokesperson for the ND said, "Over the past year, with the support of the community, we have invested heavily in preventive education and publicity work against etomidate. Since 2024, in response to the etomidate situation, the ND has launched successive campaigns to debunk community misconceptions and highlight the harms of this emerging drug."

As part of the Government's ongoing efforts to combat drug abuse, a new anti-etomidate campaign was launched today, featuring renowned artiste, Aaron Kwok. In addition to the TV and radio Announcements in the Public Interest (APIs), there are also posters and banners bearing the slogans "Etomidate: Not once, not ever!" and "Listen to me: Let's stand firm. Knock drugs out!" being displayed across major public transport facilities, prominent billboards, entrances to cross-harbour tunnels, housing estates and government premises, etc. The aim of these materials is to raise public awareness of the dangers of the abuse of etomidate.

According to the statistical figures from law enforcement agencies, the number of persons arrested for drug offences in 2025 increased by 27 per cent (from 3 243 to 4 108) when compared with that in 2024. The number of young arrestees aged under 21 also increased, by 90 per cent (from 301 to 573). Etomidate, cannabis and cocaine were the main drugs involved in these arrests. According to the court cases concluded in the same period, the conviction rate of persons being prosecuted for drug offences was as high as 86 per cent. As for young offenders aged under 21 who were sentenced to imprisonment for drug trafficking, more than half of them were sentenced to over five years in prison, and the longest imprisonment was over 20 years.

With the Easter holidays approaching, the ND reminds young people not to try drugs out of curiosity nor to participate in free trips to transport dangerous drugs across borders as "drug mules" out of greed. Young age is not a valid mitigating factor for drug offences. Drug trafficking is a serious crime worldwide, and in some places, individuals convicted of this crime can be sentenced to death. In Hong Kong, the maximum penalty is life imprisonment and a fine of $5 million.

The statistical figures of the CRDA for 2025 are available on the website of the ND (www.nd.gov.hk/en/crda_main_charts_and_tables.html). The ND's website (www.nd.gov.hk) as well as its social media accounts (narcotics.divisionhk) on Facebook and Instagram also contain detailed information about drugs, including frequently asked questions about etomidate, cocaine and cannabis for the public's reference.

If members of the public encounter any drug problems, they can send messages to 98 186 186 on instant messaging applications WhatsApp and WeChat, or call the 24-hour hotline 186 186 to seek information or assistance from professional social workers. The Police also operates a 24-hour etomidate reporting hotline (number: 6629 2966). Members of the public can also file reports via the instant messaging applications WhatsApp (number: 6629 2966) or WeChat (account: eto-report).

Photo source: nd.gov.hk

Remarks by DSJ at 61st session of United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva

The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, today (March 18, Geneva time) finished attending the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

Joining him for the meeting were representatives of the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau. Officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attended the meeting as members of the Chinese delegation.

Following are the remarks by Dr Cheung at the session.

Agenda item 4 general debate on human rights situations that require the Council's attention

Mr President,

The implementation of the National Security Law has successfully safeguarded national sovereignty and security, and ensured long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, China.

It is every sovereign state's inherent right to enact national security laws. China is no exception. For example, the United Kingdom has at least 14 pieces of national security legislation, including the sweeping National Security Act of 2023.It is hypocritical of any country to demand another country to repeal its own national security law and leave it defenseless.

Jimmy Lai's case was mentioned yesterday. I am obliged to point out that he was defended by a team of lawyers of his own choice and received a fair trial for his offences endangering national security. The court's verdict and sentence were published with detailed reasons, for which he chose not to appeal. Lai has received appropriate treatment in custody and never made any complaint. Any suggestion that certain individuals should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

All in all, we oppose the biased allegations concerning Hong Kong's situation, which have ignored the objective facts demonstrating our remarkable achievements.

Mr President, let me share with you some figures. Last year, Hong Kong was ranked the world's freest economy, No.1 in global IPO(initial public offering) market rankings, and No.1 as Asia's largest hedge fund hub and cross-boundary wealth management centre.

The common law system of Hong Kong is internationally renowned. Hong Kong was ranked the second-most preferred seat of arbitration worldwide last year. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently, fairly, impartially and openly. Judgments of the Court of Final Appeal were cited as persuasive authorities in overseas common law jurisdictions on close to 50 occasions in the past six years.

These are testaments to the trust and confidence that businesses and people have in the freedom, stability and the rule of law of Hong Kong.

We will continue to safeguard national security and protect legitimate rights and interests of all individuals. Thank you, Mr President.

Agenda item 5 general debate on human rights bodies and mechanism

Mr Vice-President,

China, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, is committed to engaging in constructive dialogue and co-operation on human rights issues within the UN framework on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

The human rights of Hong Kong residents are constitutionally guaranteed and protected under the National Security Law. The provisions of the ICCPR (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights) as applied to Hong Kong are incorporated in local law.

Human rights protection is further underpinned by the rule of law and the Judiciary which acts impartially and independently.

Since the enactment of the National Security Law over fiveyears ago, prosecutions for national security offences constituted less than 0.2 per cent of all criminal proceedings.

We note that the representative of the Netherlands mentioned Chow Hang-tung's case. We urge member states to respect the rule of law and refrain from interfering with on-going legal proceedings in Hong Kong's court.

We are firmly committed as ever to the protection of human rights and always seek to make improvements based on actual circumstances. Thank you.

Remarks by DSJ at 61st session of United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases