Courts handling increased caseload

The Supreme People's Court said on Thursday that drug cases across the country last year surged by one-third, and it pledged to deal with the problem with an iron hand.

Nearly 140,000 drug cases were tried and closed last year, an increase of 30 percent from the previous year, according to data from the court.

"Heavy sentences apply in drug cases, especially those involving firearms in drug deals and taking part in international organized drug rings," said Ma Yan, deputy presiding judge of the 5th Criminal Court at the Supreme People's Court.