Drug abuse is a global problem. China has released a report on its 2018 drug situation, which contains figures on usage and law enforcement.
The report shows that in 2018, China uncovered 110,000 drug-related cases, arrested nearly 140,000 suspects, and seized nearly 68 tons of drugs. More than 700,000 abusers were investigated and punished. Around 280,000 sentences of compulsory isolated drug treatment were given, with 240,000 sentences of community drug rehabilitation.
By the end of 2018, the number of drug abusers in China was 2.4 million, down nearly six percent compared with the same period of the previous year.
The number of ice users was nearly 1.4 million, accounting for more than half of the total drug abusers. Ice has replaced heroin as the No. 1 drug.
In recent years, a series of crackdowns has effectively suppressed drug production in the country, but the growing supply from outside presents a serious problem.
"The Golden Triangle between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos is still the largest source of drugs to our country. Besides, we have seen more drugs coming from the Golden Crescent area between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, South America and North America," said Gao Wei, deputy director of China National Narcotic Control Commission.
One of the drugs is cannabis. As North America has loosened its policies on its use, an increasing amount is flowing into China.
Gao said that China has strengthened international cooperation, and collection and evaluation on intelligence information, adding that the results have been remarkable in 2018 and in 2019 they will emphasize a tough crackdown against drug production.
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3
Copyright © 2018 CGTN. Beijing ICP prepared NO.16065310-3