Shanghai is beefing up efforts to stamp out drug pushers and users with its plans to shell out rewards of up to 150,000 yuan (US$18,500) for tips on drug-related crimes.

The move is one of the steps taken by the Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau to fight the increasing number of drug-related crimes such as trafficking, selling or using drugs.

Reward amounts will depend on the quality of the tips, the amount of drugs or money confiscated as a result and whether any arrests are made.

The highest rewards will be paid for tips that lead to arrests linked to trafficking of large quantities (more than 50 kilograms) of heroin, ice and cocaine. Cash rewards for these tips would range between 50,000 yuan (US$6,170) to 150,000 yuan (US$18,500).

Rewards on tips linked to crimes that would have significant social impact would not be limited to that amount, the Public Security Bureau said yesterday when it announced the new program.

Both Chinese residents and foreigners can receive rewards, but employees of the city's drug enforcement units or their relatives cannot claim rewards. Individuals who are found to defy the rule will be penalized.

Police also said the tips will be kept confidential.

By the end of August, Shanghai police had dealt with nearly 1,000 drug cases, resulting in 1,092 arrests and the seizure of 173 kilograms of various drugs.

Rules regarding how much will be paid for different tips took effect yesterday.

The payment must be made no more than three months after the case is cracked with the help of the tip. Reporters who receive a reward must take their money within three months of getting the claim notice.

(China Daily September 30, 2005)