Factories there process cocaine aside from churning out ''traditional'' opium products. Narcotics from the 'Golden Crescent' area of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey in Central Asia have also found their way into China as border trade flourished. To deal with drugs pouring into China from multiple sources, border-defence agencies have tightened up on travelers and the import of goods. This level of seizure was 24.6 percent up on the first six months of 1997. The government has also added more than 10,000 officers to drug squads in the nation's police force.
Authorities say China's drug hot spots have become bases for underground drug industries.
By colluding with overseas traffickers, local criminals have mastered the manufacture of 'ice' or methamphetamine hydrochloride and 'Ecstasy'. Two years ago, Chinese police forces in Guangdong and Yunnan provinces and Hong Kong police uncovered a large international drug trafficking ring, capturing 40 suspects and seizing 598 kgs of heroin, 3.27 million yuan and 310,000 dollars in drug funds and 17 vehicles. Authorities are constantly trying new ways to fight the drug menace. Recently, the MPS held what it described as a ''shock- horror exhibition'' at Beijing's military museum, featuring disgusting photographs and films of emaciated and sick drug addicts. The exhibition attracted some 20,000 visitors a day.