Yunnan tightens control on drug-production chemicals

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-15-2007 15:25

Local authorities in southwest China's Yunnan Province are tightening control on chemicals that can be used for drug production.

Qujing is one of the biggest industrial chemical production bases in the province. The authorities there say none of the city's chemicals have gone into illegal narcotics production for the past half-decade.

Yunnan Province is on the frontier of China's battle against drugs. Most foreign-made drugs have to pass through here to enter the country. In the city of Qujing, the police cannot be cautious enough.

Criminals may use many kinds of unexpected methods when trafficking drugs. Earlier this year, police found nearly 2 kilograms of crystal meth hidden in walnuts.

UN reports show that crystal meth and Ecstasy are now taking the places of traditional drugs like heroin and opium. In 2005 alone, China confiscated nearly 6 tones of Crystal Meth. The production of these drugs don't require large fields or human power. They can be made by easily accessible chemicals like Toluene and Ephedrine.

Qujing is the provincial industrial base for such chemicals' production. Authorities say strict regulation is the only option.

Chai Jiaping, vice-director Qujing anti-drug committee, said, "All the chemical factories here must register with us. We also cooperate with local police to monitor the use of chemicals. Over the past 5 years, no drugs confiscated by us have been made from Qujing materials."

Now, 29 chemicals are strictly controlled by Yunnan's provincial regulations. This exceeds the UN's list by 7 chemicals.

Yunnan has a long border with Myanmar, Thailand and Laos and is close to the Golden Triangle- one of the world's 3 biggest drug sources. The Chinese government has been fighting a fierce struggle against drugs there for many years.

Editor:Du Xiaodan