Chinese police seize over 45 tonnes of drugs in 17 months

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese police seized 45.2 tonnes of illegal drugs from January 2024 to May 2025, the Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission announced on Thursday.

In 2024, police solved 37,000 drug-related cases and arrested 62,000 suspects. From January to May this year, a total of 17,000 individuals were apprehended in connection with 11,000 drug-related cases, according to details unveiled at a press conference in Beijing.

As of the end of May, China had 710,000 registered illegal drug users. In 2024, police identified 193,000 individuals involved in drug use, with 59,000 newly recorded between January and May of this year.

Wei Xiaojun, executive deputy director of the office and head of the Ministry of Public Security's narcotics control bureau, said at the press conference that China's drug problem remains generally under control.

The official added that combating emerging synthetic drugs is a key focus of the country's anti-drug efforts.