Efforts made by southwest China's Yunnan Province to fight drug trafficking were successful in 2001, according to a recent circular issued by the National Narcotics Control Commission (NNCC).
The circular says that Yunnan police seized a record amount of heroine in 2001 and reduced once rampant drug-trafficking activities in certain regions.
In addition, Yunnan police have successfully participated in international and regional anti-drug campaigns and launched several widely welcomed anti-drug education programs.
Statistics show that there are 12 drug-free counties in Yunnan,i.e. 9.4 percent of the total 128 cities, counties and districts in Yunnan Province.
There are 628 drug-free communities, 37.9 percent of Yunnan's 1,659 communities.
The circular also says that China, especially Yunnan which borders on the drug-producing "Golden Triangle Area", is still facing serious drug-trafficking problems. Drug-trafficking activities are expected to increase now the Afghanistan War is over.
The NNCC circular also calls for further development of the national anti-drug campaign to ensure a stable social environment serving needs of economic development.
(Xinhua News Agency February 8, 2002)