ENG-2008 — Page 381

Public Order | 313

In 2008, 14 175 drug abusers were recorded in the registry, 33 per cent were new cases, 24 per cent were aged under 21, and 80 per cent were males. Heroin continued to be the most commonly abused drug in Hong Kong, with 51 per cent of drug abusers recorded in the registry being heroin abusers. The proportion of psychotropic substance abusers among all reported drug abusers has grown noticeably over the years, reaching 59 per cent in 2008. Psychotropic substances commonly abused include ketamine (36 per cent), ice (9.6 per cent), triazolam/ midazolam/zopiclone (9.5 per cent). About 23 per cent of drug abusers in 2008 were reported to have abused more than one drug. Some 9 per cent of drug abusers were reported to have taken drugs in the Mainland, mostly in Shenzhen. Forty-three per cent of drug abusers were reported to have taken drugs only in their own homes or in friends' homes, another 34 per cent at both homes and other localities such as recreation areas, public gardens, public toilets and discos or karaoke halls. The remaining 23 per cent took drugs wherever convenient.

Research

Findings from drug-related research studies provide useful reference materials to facilitate the Government's formulation of anti-drug strategies and programmes. During the year, two studies carried forward from previous years were completed.

The first study assessed the extent to which parents are involved in existing drug prevention activities and examined the reasons that motivate or discourage them from getting involved. It says parents should be treated as key partners in the fight against drug abuse by young people as should family members. The second study examined the demographic and psychological characteristics of cocaine users, and reviewed the sociological and harmful effects as well as treatment for cocaine addicts. It helped to develop preventive education programmes and treatment and rehabilitation models, which took overseas experience into account.

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Four new research projects were launched in 2008 in addition to the two ongoing ones, entitled: 'Study of patterns of drugs of abuse in New Territories East cluster Substance Abuse Clinic using conventional and new technologies' and 'Short- term and long-term effects of Chinese herbal medicine in drug detoxification series of meta-analysis'. The four new projects are entitled: '2008 survey of drug use among students', 'Socioeconomic and health impacts of psychoactive drug abuse in Hong Kong - a longitudinal study', 'Long-term ketamine abuse and apoptosis in cynomologus monkeys and mice' and 'Effective ways to dispel misunderstanding about psychotropic substances in youth at risk for drug abuse problems'.

International Action and Regional Co-operation

The Government continued to participate actively in international forums held to curb drug abuse, drug trafficking and money laundering. Besides fulfilling its obligations under the three major United Nations (UN) conventions on narcotic drugs. and psychotropic substances, the Government also maintains close links with the UN, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) and the World Customs Organisation, to ensure that Hong