China intensifies crackdown on smuggling

BEIJING - Chinese customs authorities put 260 smuggling cases on file for investigation between July 1 and August 20 in a nationwide crackdown.

The cases involved 9.64 billion yuan ($1.58 billion dollars), the General Administration of Customs (GAC) said Thursday.

Liu Xiaohui, head of the administration's anti-smuggling bureau, said the GAC is joining hands with ten government agencies including the Ministry of Public Security in an intensive six month campaign.

The campaign, running from July to December, has yielded some initial successes, said Liu.

Shantou customs busted a fur coat smuggling network and confiscated goods worth 7 billion yuan. Guangzhou customs found 9.7 kilograms of heroin in two separate cases. Chongqing customs seized parcels containing 1.5 kilograms of heroin. Hohhot customs ferreted out 130 tonnes of rare earths minerals valued at 12.09 million yuan.

Liu said China has seen an increase in the value of smuggled goods in recent years. More and more cases took place in hinterland areas and the land borders in southwest and northeast China.

The campaign will mainly target drugs, weapons, endangered species and rare earth metals, said Liu.