Beijing arrests over 1,700 for using illegal drugs

Beijing police have caught 1,750 illegal drug users since the beginning of this year, as it vowed "zero tolerance" drug policy.

Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau said in a statement on Sunday it has broken up more than 300 drug cases in which 19.8 kilograms of drugs have been seized and 345 suspects have been detained since the beginning of this year.

Around 10 kilograms of drugs was seized through online trading with 123 people involved. Nearly 150 people were found carrying 5.2 kilograms of drugs at transportation hubs during the same period of time.

In addition, 540 people were found driving under the influence of drugs.

The police have inspected around 240 entertainment places so far and stepped up efforts in preventing communities and educational institutions from drug use. As a result, 82 volunteer anti-drug teams have been set up in institutions of higher learning.

Last year, there were more than 2.3 million drug users recorded across the country.