Monday, February 19, 2001, updated at 10:07(GMT+8)
China
Guangdong Unveils Anti-Smuggling Achievements
Guangdong Province in south China, which is adjacent to Hong Kong, disclosed that the efforts of its unified anti-smuggling drive last year helped save some 3.3 billion yuan.
The province's customs, anti-smuggling and public security police launched a coordinated crackdown on smuggling through the region. The move foiled 10,400 smuggling attempts and resulted in the arrests of 1,383 suspects, among whom 769 were given prison sentences.
Guangdong has a long stretch of coastline, which causes difficulties for coastguard surveillance. The supervision of sailing vessels has been intensified, and sea patrols have been stepped up.
Guangdong Province in south China, which is adjacent to Hong Kong, disclosed that the efforts of its unified anti-smuggling drive last year helped save some 3.3 billion yuan.