Beijing has set up an Anti-Drug Volunteer Team and began official recruitment on Tuesday to coincide with International Volunteer Day.

The team will try and deter citizens from using drugs and restrict drug trafficking in the capital.

Anyone over 18 years old is eligible, including overseas citizens in Beijing, said Zhao Wenzhong, director of the anti-drug department of the Beijing Municipal Security Bureau.

The team will also open its arms to those who have had a history of drug use but have overcome their addiction, said Zhao.

But drug traffickers or anyone with a drug-related criminal record is excluded, added Zhao.

According to the official, the team will also investigate drug-related information in entertainment places like discos, bars and night clubs.

The volunteers will receive training and protection from professional anti-drug forces as it can be a dangerous task, according to Fu Zhenghua, deputy head of the municipal security bureau.

"Volunteers will be offered a reward of 1,000 to 10,000 yuan (US$128 to 1,280) if their work leads to the solving of a drug case," said Fu.

"Registration can be done online at www.bjjdzx.org or in local anti-drug offices," said Fu.

The team is set to recruit 5,000 anti-drug volunteers before the Chinese New Year on February 17th, 2007 and the total number is expected to reach 10,000 before the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking next year on June 26th.

Anti-drug voluntary organizations will also be set up in all communities in Beijing.

Beijing registered 26,000 drug users last year. Nationwide, China had registered 720,400 drug-users by the end of August this year.