More than 2,000 arrested over drug crimes in January-August: Hong Kong police

HONG KONG -- A total of 2,135 people were arrested over drug-related crimes from January to August this year, the Hong Kong police said on Saturday.

According to the police, among the arrested, those who are under 21 years old rose from 180 in the same period in 2019 to 289 in 2020, an increase of more than 60 percent. Arrests for marijuana use under 21 also increased, from 58 in the same period in 2019 to 110 in 2020, up nearly 90 percent.

Hong Kong's Dangerous Drugs Ordinance stipulates that illegal possession or use of dangerous drugs is a criminal offence punishable by up to seven-year imprisonment and a fine of 1 million Hong Kong dollars.

Trafficking in dangerous drugs carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of 5 million Hong Kong dollars. (1 US dollar equals to 7.75 Hong Kong dollars)