Drug crimes decline, but fight continues

With drug crime remaining at a serious level in China, courts have increased their efforts to target offenders at all stages of the narcotics trade over the past five years, according to a top judge.

"We've strictly penalized those who transport, produce and purchase drugs, while criminals engaged in drug-related activities over a long time are our major target and are given heavier punishments," said Ye Xiaoying, chief judge of No 5 Criminal Tribunal at the Supreme People's Court.

Although the number of reported drug crimes declined last year, Ye said the situation remains serious.