Hundreds of police officers, including 300 riot-squad members, have launched an intensive campaign against criminal activities at entertainment venues in Shanghai.

It is the first time riot police have participated in such an operation.

The swoop began on Tuesday night and continued until midnight last night.

Police officials said they targeted entertainment venues to crack down on gambling, prostitution and drug taking.

Tuesday's operation was part of a 50-day summer police campaign named "Red Sword" that began on July 10.

By July 29 city police had seized 1,715 suspects and confiscated 19 imitation guns, 111 contraband knives and 130 grams of narcotics.

A team of police officers first raided a video arcade in Yangpu District.

"We were tipped off that the venue had started the illegal business again," said a police officer.
 
(Shanghai Daily August 2, 2007)