Teen drug abuse cases edge up to 604, Etomidate tops the list

Teen drug abuse cases saw a slight uptick in the first three quarters of 2025, rising from 600 to 604 among people aged under 21, the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN) said Friday (Dec 5).

Etomidate remained the most commonly abused substance among youths, with 284 reported users, followed by cannabis and cocaine. Overall drug abusers fell 1 percent year-on-year to 4,122, with heroin, cocaine and ice still making up the top three drugs.

ACAN chairman Dr Donald Li Kwok-tung warned that etomidate can cause serious health problems, including skin ulcers, muscle spasms and hormonal imbalance. He also reminded the public that trafficking the drug carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Narcotics Division said it will step up online publicity and continue tightening enforcement. Police recorded 3,012 drug-related arrests in the first nine months – up 26 percent – while arrests involving people under 21 more than doubled to 422, mainly linked to etomidate, cannabis and cocaine.