Golden Triangle main source of drugs  

公安部：中国222万人吸毒 约60-70%来自金三角

国务院新闻办公室今日上午举行新闻发布会，介绍中老缅泰“平安航道”行动情况。国家禁毒委员会常务副主任、公安部禁毒局局长刘跃进介绍，“金三角”地区是我们国家毒品消费的主要来源，大约占60-70%。 [查看全文]

ECNS — Drugs smuggled from the Golden Triangle region (comprising parts of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) account for 60 to 70 percent of all drugs that Chinese drug users consume, said Liu Yuejin, director-general of the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, at a press briefing held by the Information Office of the State Council on Tuesday.

As deputy secretary general of China's National Narcotics Control Commission, Liu gave a briefing on China's drug situation as well as the current anti-drug measures and plans by the Chinese government to fight drug-related crimes.

Over the years, the planting of poppies, opium and heroin processing have been brought under control. However, despite great efforts in combating cross-border drug trafficking, China is still facing a grim situation in the fight against drugs from abroad, according to Liu.

Liu pointed out that currently there are about 2.2 million drug users in China, and that number is still rising rapidly, which indicates that there exists big demand for illegal drugs in China. That means drug control in China still faces a grave situation.

Liu noted that regions in China with varying degrees of economic development are also faced with their own complex situations regarding drug abuse. For example, in some underdeveloped regions in Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan, many drug traffickers are engaged in illegal activities.

As to how to cope with the grave situation in fight drug abuse, Liu urged the following:

First, launch an education campaign to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs among the general public and help them stay away from drugs.

Second, step up law enforcement and crack down on the drug supply by focusing on stemming the flow of drugs and punishing those engaged in illegal drug trafficking.

Third, help millions of drug users give up drugs and return to normal life through rehabilitation and education.

Fourth, strengthen management and control of chemicals used in producing drugs.

As drugs trafficked from abroad, in particular the Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent, are the main sources of drugs used in China, it is important to strengthen international cooperation with countries in the region in order to stem the large inflows of drugs into China, said Liu.