THIS June 26 will be the occasion of the 17th World Anti-drug Day, yet the fact is the number of drug-addicts has been increasing continuously. At present, there are over 50 million drug abusers in the world. Every year, over 10,000 people die from the effects of illegal drugs.

In China, the latest figures show over 1.05 million people have used illegal drugs, with the number of drug addicts reaching 740,000. But insiders say the actual number is much higher.

Among officially recognized drug abusers, 640,000 people are addicted to heroin. About 72 per cent of these are young people under 35.

Every year, 27 billion yuan (US$3.26 billion) is spent on illegal drugs in China, and drug addicts account for a rising proportion of crimes.

Police investigations show that 80 per cent of male drug addicts have committed thefts to fund their habit, while 80 per cent of female drug addicts have turned to prostitution for the same reason.

Luo Feng, vice minister of Public Security, said at a conference held this February that the drug problem was becoming steadily more serious in China. Foreign drug-smugglers were becoming more active in the border areas, especially in the "golden triangle" where Myanmar, Thailand and Laos all meet.

In 2003, the output of heroin in the "golden triangle" amounted to 70 to 80 tons, and about 80 per cent of this was transported into China across the Myanmar border. Drug traders concealed heroin in vehicles, on their bodies or in mail. In 2003, the police discovered 156 cases of heroin dealing in quantities over 10,000 grams. All of these involved traffic from the "golden triangle".

From 1998 to 2003, the country uncovered 546,900 cases of drug trafficking. A total of 51.03 tons of heroin were confiscated and over 427 hectares of opium poppy were rooted out.

Statistics from the ministry said there were 17,000 anti-drug police presently working in the country. From 1999 to 2003, the central government invested about 600 million yuan (US$72.55 million) in a special fund for anti-drug operations.

Luo also said China was working hard to improve anti-drug legislation, scheduled to come into effect in 2006. He said the aim was to make anti-drug efforts a fundamental state policy established in law. (Star News)