Beijing police crack down on drug offenses, seize over 60 kg of narcotics

Beijing police have seized over 60 kilograms of drugs since the beginning of this year, thanks to intensified efforts and collaboration against narcotic offenses, the municipal public security authority announced on Wednesday.

The police have focused on combating the misuse of tiletamine, a veterinary anesthetic banned in China and now classified as a controlled substance when abused in e-cigarettes. Since July, six gangs involved with this drug have been dismantled, with over 170 suspects detained, according to the Beijing Public Security Bureau.

"Among the individuals apprehended, nearly 80 percent are under the age of 25, reflecting a clear trend toward younger offenders," Yu Zhu, head of the bureau's anti-drug team, stated at a news conference. He noted that most suspects operated through online coordination and offline transactions, with many influenced by delinquent peers.

Yu credited the success in drug control to increased collaboration among various sectors and government agencies, including public security, customs, airports, railways, postal services, civil affairs, market regulation, emergency services, and healthcare. Despite these accomplishments, Yu confirmed that the drug situation in the city remains complex, with criminal methods becoming more diverse and increasing pressure to intercept drugs from overseas.

"Some gangs have adopted more sophisticated and concealed methods, such as using social media and express delivery services to transport drugs disguised as snacks, milk tea, e-cigarettes, and cosmetics," he said. Additionally, cocaine from South America and cannabis from abroad frequently enter the city through multiple routes, including land crossings and postal channels, posing a significant challenge to investigators, he added.

To combat drug-related offenses, police across the city will maintain a firm stance against narcotics and continue cooperating with other authorities. There will also be stronger legal education efforts in residential areas, schools, and online spaces. Furthermore, the capital's police will enhance the use of technology in their anti-drug efforts by developing rapid detection devices for substances such as etomidate and nitrous oxide, significantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations and testing, Yu added.