Drug abuse blamed for big increase in violence

Rampant smuggling of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine from Southeast Asia has led to more violent crimes nationwide, a senior official from the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.

"China is facing a grim task in curbing synthetic drugs, including 'ice', which more and more of China's drug addicts tend to use," said Liu Yuejin, director of the ministry's Narcotics Control Bureau.

About 2.87 million people have been registered on suspicion of using drugs, according to the ministry.