Hong Kong cocaine surge calls for greater effort to tackle drug abuse
- Increased supply, lower prices and rise in social stress in city have been blamed for shift from cannabis to the substance
Drug abuse has become a growing concern and Hong Kong authorities would be wise to adjust their tactics after a government advisory body revealed worrying shifts in the types of illegal substances consumed in the city. Cocaine replaced cannabis last year among young abusers, according to the Action Committee Against Narcotics.
A report issued by the group last month said most of the 3,406 drug arrests in 2023 were for offences related to cocaine.
While the number of reported drug abusers under the age of 21 fell from 744 in 2022 to 659 last year, more than half abused cocaine, followed by cannabis and ketamine, known locally as K or K-jai. Some experts have warned that the true scale of the drug abuse problem among youngsters may not be reflected in official numbers.
The shift toward cocaine has been blamed on an increased supply, lower prices and a rise in social stress when Hong Kong returned to normality last year following the Covid-19 pandemic. Some drug abusers have struggled to resume their daily routines or to cope once again with interpersonal relationships, according to health experts.
Dr Donald Li Kwok-tung, chairman of the action committee, also expressed concern at online drug traps, including groups that use instant messaging and dating apps to encourage abuse.
Health experts have warned that when it comes to cocaine, risks of physical and mental harm are deepened by the fact that users struggle to quit the highly addictive drug. Many spend their life savings or end up in debt.
Authorities deserve credit for the success of programmes showcasing the dangers of ketamine and crystal methamphetamine, or Ice. Campaigns have highlighted the damage caused by the drugs, including vivid pictures and messages such as “Ice can dissolve your brain”. However, some abusers have concluded that cocaine is less harmful.
Michael Leung Siu-kei, with the Youth Crime Prevention Centre under the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, said crack cocaine derived from the powdered substance also allowed users to mix it into cigarettes they share with others.
Cocaine beats cannabis as top drug among young Hong Kong substance abusers
It is to be welcomed that the narcotics division of the Security Bureau has made plans to highlight the dangers of cocaine. Warnings are being prepared for television and radio as well as social media outlets and dating apps increasingly used to lure people.
Shifting abuse patterns are a wake-up call for authorities. Relevant departments should heed the advice of experts calling for further cross-sector cooperation to monitor changes and adjust the direction of anti-drug efforts.
