China's law on drug control, which was listed in the country's legislation agenda last December, is expected to take effect in 2006, said Luo Feng, deputy director of National Narcotics Control Commission, Thursday.

"We hope to make the drug control issue one of China's basic policies through the legislation, and take it into the general planning of national economic and social development," said Luo, also vice minister of public security.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy has drafted a plan on drug control for the 2004-2008 period, Luo said at a meeting of the commission.

The draft plan, which will be deliberated at the meeting, puts forward the basic objectives and tasks for drug control in the five years, and outlines the guiding principles and major measures.

It also highlights tasks in several fields including international cooperation in drug control, building up drug-free zones and strengthening drug control education.

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2004)