The Action Committee Against Narcotics said on Thursday that while the total number of drug abusers in Hong Kong fell in the first half of 2025, there's been a slight uptick in the number of young people taking drugs.

According to the Central Registry of Drug Abuse, the overall number of reported drug abusers dropped by 4 percent from the same period last year, from 3,055 to 2,919.

The number of young drug abusers under the age of 21, however, edged up from 453 to 457.

While heroin, cocaine and "Ice" were the most commonly abused substances, young drug abusers were most drawn to etomidate and cannabis.

The chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Donald Li, said a multi-pronged approach is needed to combat the local drug abuse problem.

He also highlighted the importance of discouraging young people from taking etomidate.

"The government and ACAN have made significant efforts since early this year to combat the abuse of the emerging drug etomidate. The general public is now aware of the harmful effects caused by this drug," he said.

"However, we must stay vigilant and continue to collaborate with various sectors to remind members of the public to say 'no' to etomidate."

Officials said they will work closely with law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking, and crack down on those who target and exploit young people.