22,000 juvenile drug addicts in China

Zhang Shuai China Plus Published: 2017-06-26 19:11:23
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There were over 22,000 juveniles addicted to drugs as of the end of 2016, making up 0.8 percent of the estimated 2.5 million drug addicts in China, according to the National Narcotics Control Commission. 

Juveniles addicted to drugs receive compulsory detox in a detox center in Xining, Qinghai province, June 16, 2017. [Photo: VCG]

Juveniles addicted to drugs receive compulsory detox in a detox center in Xining, Qinghai province, June 16, 2017. [Photo: VCG]

According to new statistics released to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, the number of drug addicts between 18 and 35 in China increased slightly to 1.46 million in 2016. The youngest drug addict discovered in 2016 was just 10-years old.

The number of drug addicts detained in China hit 445,000 last year.

In releasing the report, China's Narcotics Control Commission warns that violent crimes including robbery, theft and manslaughter are higher in areas where drug addiction is a larger problem.

To help treat those with drug addiction, there are 775 detox centers across the country, where 361,000 drug users are receiving compulsory detox.

"At present, the drug abuse in China is getting younger, particularly with the increase of synthetic drugs into the system. It costs the country over a trillion yuan a year because of drug-related problems in China," said Xiong Desheng, vice director of the NNCC. 

To stop the spread of drugs in China, Xiong said the NNCC will step up its drug control programs in grassroots areas, particularly in those areas where the drug problems are serious.

The NNCC is also trying to streamline its decision-making by collaborating with experts from the national think tank on drug control.

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