International Drug Crackdown

Drug use and drug abuse are worldwide issues. While in the U.S. it gets so easy to focus on the problems addiction causes here at home, but other countries are battling the fallout as well.

Beijing police recently launched an anti-drug campaign this month, in part to ensure the security of an important upcoming national holiday, China's 60th National Day, to be celebrated on Oct. 1. The plan includes stronger police monitoring and drug-related intelligence during the weeks of Sept. 9 and 15 in an effort to control drug addicts and crack down on drug-related crimes, according to Fu Zhenghua, deputy head of Beijing Public Security Bureau. There will also be an expanded police presence in the form of both officers and police dogs, dispatched to checkpoints around the city, in an attempt to prevent drugs, firearms and explosives from flowing into Beijing.

China Crack Down on Drug Use

Efforts aren’t only concentrated on activities within the city, though. The campaign will also target drug trafficking and drug sales by foreigners. Anti-drug notices in both Chinese and English have been posted by police in bars and hotels that are popular with foreigners. Bar staff are also required to wear ribbons to publicize the campaign.

That doesn’t mean the Beijing police were lax on drugs before this new plan. In the first seven months of 2009 they cracked more than 3,100 drug-related cases. That’s a nearly eight percent increase from 2008. Authorities also seized 240 kg of drugs, an 84.1 percent increase from the prior year.

Drug Addiction Help

No matter what country you call home, drug addiction is a problem that affects us all in one way or another. If you or someone you know is battling a substance abuse problem, contact La Paloma at our toll-free number, 877-345-1887. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.