Crackdown on cross-border drug crimes intensified

China has intensified its crackdown on the illegal cross-border sale of drugmaking substances and other sensitive chemicals, solving 29 criminal cases and arresting 157 suspects since 2025, the Ministry of Public Security said in a statement on Friday.

Police seized 720 kilograms of drugs, 1.3 metric tons of new psychoactive substances, 0.9 kilogram of stimulants and 27.7 tons of noncontrolled precursor chemicals during the same period, according to the statement.

The China National Narcotics Control Commission has repeatedly reminded enterprises and individuals to exercise caution when selling drugmaking substances, new psychoactive substances and related chemicals overseas, and to guard against legal risks in foreign jurisdictions, the statement said.

A notice released by the commission's office on Nov 10 urged exporters to ensure that foreign clients complete import procedures in accordance with local regulations, particularly for nonlisted precursor chemicals and equipment that have legitimate uses, but may also be used to manufacture controlled substances.

Enterprises involved in the production, sale, transportation, import and export of such chemicals and equipment were urged to improve internal management, keep proper records and strictly verify overseas buyers.

The notice also warned against illegal inducements disguised as "high-value orders" or "sample testing", and called on postal, courier, logistics and international freight forwarding companies to help prevent related illegal activities.

Furthermore, the notice tightened rules on online information. Individuals are banned from posting sales information for nonpharmaceutical precursor chemicals online, while all organizations and individuals are prohibited from publishing online advertisements for pharmaceutical precursor chemicals.

Those posting sales information for nonlisted drugmaking chemicals or related equipment on websites, social media or e-commerce platforms must register with their real names and comply with the law.

The commission previously issued similar notices in November 2023 and May 2024, warning of the legal risks of selling drugmaking precursor chemicals and new psychoactive substances overseas.

The ministry said that despite these warnings, some offenders in the country have continued to traffic both controlled and noncontrolled precursor chemicals, new psychoactive substances and other sensitive chemicals abroad, gradually forming illegal chemical supply chains and triggering major drug-related risks.

Public security authorities have launched several rounds of special operations to address the problem, solving major cases, rectifying problematic enterprises and punishing offenders. The ministry said the efforts are aimed at eliminating drug-related risks, regulate the online business environment and safeguard the healthy development of China's chemical industry.

According to the ministry, police uncovered a cross-border drug manufacturing and trafficking operation involving a key suspect, surnamed Tang, in December 2025. A total of 21 suspects were arrested, and police seized nearly 32 kg of drugs, 1 ton of new psychoactive substances and 15.4 tons of drugmaking raw materials.

Police also dismantled one drug production site and one precursor chemical production site, while 6.92 million yuan ($1 million) in funds linked to the case were frozen and administrative penalties were imposed on three chemical companies.

According to police records, Tang set up two websites to advertise chemicals targeting overseas buyers. After receiving orders, he allegedly commissioned manufacturers in several domestic locations to develop and supply these chemicals. He smuggled the chemicals overseas through international freight forwarding companies and collected payments in virtual currencies.

In January 2026, Tang and another key suspect, surnamed Chen, were arrested on suspicion of smuggling, trafficking, transporting and manufacturing drugs.

Enterprises and individuals should strictly abide by laws and regulations when conducting business, guard against overseas legal risks, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and citizens, said the Ministry of Public Security.