China had 1.053 million illegal drugs users registered by law enforcement departments by the end of 2003, including 220,000 involved in compulsory rehabilitation programs last year, figures from the Ministry of Public Security show.

A total of 60,000 drug abusers were sent to reform-through-labor facilities for narcotics rehabilitation last year.

Ministry sources said China uncovered 93,900 drugs-related cases, seizing 9,535 kg of heroin, 905 kg of opium, and 5,827 kg of "ice", or methamphetamine, last year.

Police arrested 63,000 suspects in connection with drugs offenses, said an official with the ministry.

China stepped up publicity campaigns targeting young people its fight against banned narcotics in 2003, and created more drug-free communities and villages, while improving cooperation with international communities in the battle against drugs trafficking.     

The official said the Chinese police would continue their crackdown on illegal narcotics this year.

(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2004)