Beijing police authorities on Friday announced that passengers who carry fireworks, oil paint or industrial alcohol when travelling on buses or the underground will be detained for between five and 15 days, according to the severity of the case.

Police will intensify security inspections on the city's buses and subways by using dogs that are specially trained to seek explosive material "in the near future", according to an official with the Beijing Public Security Bureau. This is in light of the fast-approaching new year period when the number of cases of passengers carrying fireworks on public transport vehicles may soar, said the official.

The official also said because of the booming real estate market, the number of cases of passengers carrying oil paint for apartment decoration using the bus or underground has risen markedly over recent years.

Since the beginning of 2007, Beijing police has detected 496 cases of people carrying explosive material on public transport, detaining 499 passengers and seizing more than 700 kilograms of explosive material. Of those carrying explosives 70 per cent used the underground, according to the Beijing Police Bureau.

However, Beijing underground, with a daily passenger flow of two million, is powered by electricity at a voltage of almost 1000 volts. This kind of voltage and explosive substances are a dangerous mix.

"Dogs that are specially trained for seeking explosives and fireworks may find some clues men cannot, therefore they may help us plug security loopholes," said the official.

About 30 specially trained dogs will be used and police have asked passengers not to be worried or scared if they see police dogs on the underground or the bus.

Police also encourage passengers to report to the police by dialling the hotline 64011327 if they see someone carrying explosives on the underground or the bus.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2007)