The actual number of drug users in Fujian province is likely to be close to 500,000, according to the provincial public security bureau on Dec 30.

As of Dec 24, there were more than 80,000 registered drug addicts, with annual growth of 20 percent, said a spokesman for the Bureau at a press conference.

Given the internationally agreed 1:5 ratio regarding the on-paper and actual number of drug users, there are nearly 500,000 junkies in Fujian, up by 13,000 to 15,000 annually.

It is notable that more and more young people have become drug addicts, with those under the age of 35 accounting for about 70 percent of the total number.

Fujian will heighten its anti-drug campaign by carrying out supervision and operation in 20 counties and cities, he said.