A total of 418 people sought drug detoxification support in Macau throughout 2025—including 46 new cases—marking a 30% decrease compared to the previous year, according to a report by local authorities.
“In general, the number of requests for detoxification support has remained stable over recent years,” stated Macau’s Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) in a statement. The data was cited in the annual report of the Central Registry System of Drug Abuse, released on the eve of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is observed today.
Under Macau’s Anti-Drug Law, anyone found illicitly consuming narcotics or psychotropic substances—including ketamine, ecstasy, cocaine, heroin, and cannabis—faces a prison sentence of three months to one year or a fine ranging from 60 to 240 days.
According to the report, the total number of registered drug users in Macau in 2025 stood at 132, a 10.8% decline relative to 2024. Of these registered individuals, two were young people under the age of 21.
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“Compared to the situation over the last five years, the overall drug addiction landscape remains at a relatively low level, with methamphetamine being the primary drug consumed. However, the problem of hidden drug consumption continues to be significant,” the bureau added.
Separate figures from Macau’s Judiciary Police (PJ) indicate there were 63 drug trafficking cases (+12) in 2025, representing a 23% increase year-on-year. Over the same period, illicit drug consumption cases handled by police also climbed by more than 60%, reaching 29 cases.
“New drugs are constantly emerging, and traffickers’ methods are becoming increasingly covert, posing a growing threat and danger to young people,” noted PJ Director Sit Chong Meng during an anti-drug campaign on Tuesday.
This year, the PJ launched an anti-drug initiative in schools, recruiting 20 students from 11 schools who were “trained to serve as ambassadors to promote the fight against drugs.”
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In parallel, the IAS has been running a drug prevention education curriculum since 2000. The systematic program covers students from kindergarten through the 11th grade and reaches over 80% of Macau’s schools.
Portuguese news agency Lusa requested details from the PJ regarding the total street value of narcotics seized in 2025 as well as data on the specific number of students caught consuming drugs, but has not yet received a response.
