Public Order | 381
redeveloped. Upon completion, the Registry will be able to capture more drug abuse data, cater to electronic data submission and provide more in-depth analyses. More graphical presentation of drug abuse trends supplemented with on-line data enquiry functions will also be available on the Narcotics Division web page (www.nd.gov.hk).
In 2004, some 14 714 drug abusers were reported to the Registry. Of these, 25 per cent were newly reported cases, 14 per cent were aged under 21, and 82 per cent were males. Heroin remained the drug most commonly abused in Hong Kong, with 70 per cent of drug abusers reported to the CRDA being heroin abusers. The prevalence of psychotropic substances among drug abusers has increased noticeably over the years, with the proportion of psychotropic substance abusers rising from 34 per cent in 2000 to 42 per cent in 2004. In 2004, psychotropic substances commonly abused included ketamine (18 per cent), triazolam/midazolam (12 per cent), cannabis (8 per cent) and ecstasy (8 per cent). About 24 per cent of drug abusers were reported to have abused more than one drug.
Research
Drug-related research studies are monitored by the ACAN Sub-committee on Research. Findings of these studies provide useful references to facilitate the Government's formulation of anti-drug strategies and programmes. During the year, a new project on the drug abuse situation among ethnic minorities was identified for implementation. The objectives of this study include identifying profiles, trends and behaviours of ethnic minority drug abusers in Hong Kong, the social consequences associated with their drug abuse and barriers for them to receive services and assessing the service needs of these drug abusers.
Moreover, five other studies carried forward from previous years. Two of them, a study on initiation, continuation and impact of drug use among females and a study of substance abuse in underground rave culture and other related settings, were completed during the year. The former focused on identifying the factors relating to initiation and continuation of drug use among females, and the social and physical consequences associated with drug use. The latter study aimed at analysing the various features of underground rave parties and related settings, their attractions to youth and the drug abuse situation in these settings. The studies provided useful and in-depth evidence-based information to help the Government to understand the situations and formulate appropriate policies.
International Action and Regional Cooperation
The Government continued to participate actively in international forums against drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. Apart from fulfilling its obligations under the three major UN conventions concerning narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, it also maintains close links with the UN, the World Health. Organisation, the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), the World Customs Organisation and other governments, to ensure that Hong Kong's anti-drug and anti-money laundering work remains in step with current international standards and requirements.