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Chinese police detained 61,300 suspects and handled 53,000 cases in a recent crackdown on drug crimes, the Ministry of Public Security said.

A national campaign was launched in late January, and as of May 9 it had resulted in the seizure of 17 metric tons of heroin and methamphetamine, nearly three times the amount seized during the same period last year.

Police also smashed 274 manufacturing dens and seized 4,438 tons of chemicals and other raw materials used for producing narcotics, the ministry said.

"The huge demand for drugs among addicts and the temptation of high profits for trafficking are the reasons for the high incidence of such crimes," said Liu Yuejin, director of the Ministry of Public Security's Narcotics Department.

In March, the number of registered drug addicts nationwide was 2.14 million, up 47 percent from 2008, ministry figures show. The number of registered drug addicts taking synthetic drugs was also up to 83,400, a rise of 28.5 percent compared with 2008.

According to the ministry, in some regions and areas more than 30 percent of crime, including theft and robbery, are blamed on drug addicts, and the annual illegal consumption of drugs is more than 60 billion yuan ($9.77 billion) nationwide.

In addition, gun-related drug crimes have increased sharply, with national anti-drug police seizing 739 kinds of guns and 29,000 bullets as of May 9, said Yang Zhaohui, a senior official with the ministry's narcotics department.

In February, Guangxi police, together with Tianjin and Liaoning police, uncovered a major gun and drugs manufacturing case. The police destroyed a drug processing factory and an illegal den for manufacturing guns in Tianjin, according to the ministry.

They seized six guns and gun-making equipment and parts.

Moreover, drug traffickers took advantage of legal loopholes and often used logistics and express delivery to transport drugs, Yang said.

"Under the influence and development of the international drug situation, we are facing a tough task to combat drug crimes," Liu said, adding that anti-drug work will constantly meet new challenges.

Police will investigate national entertainment venues and bars to fight against drug addicts and traffickers, and collect clues to destroy drug trafficking rings and networks, he added.

(China Daily)