The number of drug users reported in the first half of the year was 61, an increase of more than 10 percent year-on-year, and one of them was under the age of 21, according to the Social Welfare Bureau’s (IAS) Central Registration System for Drug Abusers of Macau, and the top three types of drugs used were methamphetamine (ice), ketamine, and cocaine.
IAS’s Christian New Life Fellowship (In Macau) hosted the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Anti-Drug Activity at the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao on Saturday, with the IAS Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Department Acting Chief Tong Chan U pointing out that after the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising number of travellers, drug abuse was expected to rise, according to local Chinese-language media reports at the weekend.
However, Tong pointed out that the overall number of drug abusers in the past five years has shown a downward trend, and last year during the pandemic, compared with the past few years, there was a significant decline.
Tong added that the bureau will continue to engage in publicity and education to prevent and combat drug abuse, hoping to identify potential drug abusers in the community and provide help for them as soon as possible.
Christian New Life Fellowship (In Macau) Director-General Lao Chin Soi said on the sidelines of the event that at present, more than 100 cases of drug abuse and addiction treatment are being followed up by his organisation, and counselling work will be strengthened in the future.
Lao added that the organisation also launched an online outreach programme on drug abuse this year, with a view to understanding young people’s views on drugs through online platforms, so as to promote anti-drug publicity and education.
The Social Welfare Bureau’s (IAS) Christian New Life Fellowship (In Macau) hosts the Greater Bay Area (GBA) Anti Drug Activity at the Handover Gifts Museum of Macao on Saturday. – Photo courtesy of TDM
