China seizes 11.5 tonnes of drugs during operation

BEIJING -- Chinese police have seized a total of 11.5 tonnes of drugs during an operation to crack down on drug production that was launched in February, an official said Friday.

Liu Yuejin, deputy director of China National Narcotic Control Commission, announced the numbers during a video meeting on the operation.

The amount of drugs confiscated during the operation accounted for nearly 40 percent of the total amount seized nationwide in the same period, Liu said.

Up to 89 drug laboratories have been destroyed and 575 suspects arrested during the operation, he continued.

Police departments nationwide worked together to achieve positive results in eliminating the sources of drugs during the operation which was launched by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

According to Liu, underground drug productions were still common around the country, and industrial chains related to the issue have already been formed in certain areas, which has added to the difficulties of the operation and required stronger action.

The MPS called for another crackdown on drug production, which will continue to focus on destroying drug labs, locating drug production gangs and confiscated drugs and related materials.