Mass drugs confiscated in latest China crackdown

Police have seized 137 kg of illegal substances in southwest China's Yunnan Province, the forefront of the country's fight against drugs.

A total of 134 suspects have been arrested since last Tuesday, when the latest drive was launched, with roughly 500 policemen from seven provinces joining the 24-7 campaign in five Yunnan localities, including Yuxi, Lincang, Kunming, Honghe and Chuxiong.

Drug penetration is severe in Yunnan, which borders the Golden Triangle. Of the 36.4 tonnes of heroin and methamphetamine confiscated in China last year, 49.9 percent was in the area.

Authorities in Yunnan have stepped up anti-drug efforts in recent years, with 109,000 drug smugglers and 51.6 tonnes of drugs seized between 2005 and 2010. Local police have enhanced publicity on drug control and also strengthened cooperation with international colleagues in fighting cross-border drug trade.