Beijing steps up anti-drug crackdown ahead of National Day

BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Beijing police launched an anti-drug campaign Wednesday to ensure the security of China's 60th National Day, which falls on Oct. 1.

Between Sept. 9 and 15, the police will strengthen monitoring of drug-related intelligence, controlling drug addicts and cracking down on drug crimes, said Fu Zhenghua, deputy head of Beijing Public Security Bureau.

More police officers and police dogs will be dispatched to the city's checkpoints to prevent drugs, firearms and explosives flowing into Beijing, he said.

The campaign will also target drug trafficking and sales by foreigners. Police have set up Chinese-English anti-drug notices in bars and hotels frequented by foreigners, he said.

Each bar has to arrange for at least one staff to wear a ribbon to publicize the campaign.

Beijing police cracked more than 3,100 drug crimes in the first seven months this year, 7.7 percent higher against the same period last year. They seized 240 kg of drugs, an 84.1 percent year-on-year increase, he said.