China records decline in drug users among young people

Beijing (ANTARA) - The number of new drug users in China under the age of 35 has fallen by more than 40 per cent year-on-year in 2025, according to Chinese anti-narcotics authorities on Wednesday (17/6), citing an increase in awareness regarding the risks of drug abuse among the youth.

The number of newly identified drug users under the age of 35 plummeted by 41.6 per cent from the previous year, revealed Wei Xiaojun, an official from the office of China’s National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC), during a press conference.

These figures were disclosed as China intensifies its efforts to suppress drug-related crime rates while simultaneously preventing illicit substance abuse among young people through law enforcement campaigns, public education, and international cooperation.

Wei, the executive deputy director of the office and head of the narcotics control bureau under China’s Ministry of Public Security, stated that Chinese anti-narcotics authorities resolved approximately 27,000 drug-related criminal cases in 2025, arrested 41,000 suspects, and seized 33.5 tonnes of narcotics.

Over the past year, anti-narcotics authorities across China have continued to strengthen comprehensive management of drug-related issues, advance international anti-narcotics cooperation, and achieve new progress in drug eradication efforts within the country, said Wei.