Number of drug users tops 14 million

Addicts choose crystal meth and other synthetic substances rather than heroin, authority says

The number of users of illegal drugs in the country is estimated to have reached 14 million, with half of them taking synthetic substances such as methamphetamine, according to the narcotics control authority.

There were 2.95 million registered drug users at the end of last year, but the overall number of users is estimated to be much larger, the National Narcotics Control Commission said.