Thursday, September 14, 2000, updated at 10:26(GMT+8)
China
Nearly 50,000 "Entertainment Centers" Closed in Crackdown
Since the nationwide crackdown on illegal pornography, gambling or drug activities began in July, there has been great progress made, according to the Public Security Bureau. Police have inspected 850,000 illegal "entertainment centers" and punished nearly 50,000, according to statistics from Beijing and 27 provinces, self-autonomous regions and special municipalities under the central government's jurisdiction.
According to Tong Jianwu, a spokesman for the Public Security Bureau, the police have cracked more than 30,000 cases involving prostitution, gambling and drugs and arrested more than 80,000 suspects. More than 4,400 cases of were uncovered and more than 50,000 sex trade workers were forced out of the business.
Tong said that after the crackdown began, the local media publicized hotline numbers to make it more convenient for people to report crimes. Up to September 8, the Public Security Bureau alone received 892 tips from the hotline, 313 of which were investigated and verified.
The crackdown is targeting the serious problems of "sex, gambling and drugs" at these "entertainment centers" and underage minors getting involved in these activities.
Since the nationwide crackdown on illegal pornography, gambling or drug activities began in July, there has been great progress made, according to the Public Security Bureau.