China to issue regular reports on drug control (Xinhua) Updated: 2006-08-24 14:24 BEIJING -- The government will
have to make regular reports on the drug trafficking situation and progress in
drug control according to provisions in China's first drug control bill.
The draft anti-drug law, being reviewed by the August 22-27 session of the
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature,
obliges the government to establish a press release system to publicize
anti-drug information.
Owners or managers of public places like airports, train stations,
long-distance bus stations, ports and hotels, and entertainment venues such as
bars and nightclubs, will be responsible for anti-drug education on their
premises and for taking preventive measures against drug trafficking.
They must report any drug-related crimes they detect to local police. Owners
of bars and nightclubs are required to post anti-drug notices on their premises.
Heads of businesses that fail to comply with the law will be subject to fines
of between 500 and 5,000 yuan (62.5 to 625 dollars).
Local governments and anti-drug committees, village and urban residents'
committees, parents or supervisors of children under 18 should also play a role
in the anti-drug education campaign, said the bill.
Police estimate that China has more than 700,000 heroin addicts, 69 percent
of whom are under the age of 35.
The bill outlaws opium, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, morphine, and
cocaine.
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