Chinese customs cracked down on a total of 60,059 smuggling cases in the past five years (2001-05), involving 35.57 billion yuan (US$4.4 billion) worth of goods, according to the General Administration of Customs.

The administration said from 2001 to 2005, a total of 15,725 suspects were prosecuted for smuggling, with 7,687 arrested.

 

The customs enhanced enforcement over smuggling in recent years, especially smuggling of important goods such as oil, cigarettes, vehicles, steel products and telecommunications equipment.

 

In the past five years the customs also seized 15,242 kilograms of drugs.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 31, 2006)