China will strengthen intelligence sharing and investigative cooperation with South Africa, Brazil, Russia and India to fight transnational drug trafficking, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

"Drug-related crimes lead to many violent crimes, including kidnapping, robbery and murder, and it's imperative to strengthen pragmatic judicial cooperation to curb cross-border drug trafficking," according to a statement provided by the ministry.

China will enhance communication with the other four BRICS countries and intensify investigative cooperation to smash major cross-border drug trafficking gangs, said Liang Yun, director at the ministry's narcotics control bureau.

Moreover, China will share experiences and work closely on reducing the demand for drugs, while providing assistance on personal training and drug detection technology, he said.

China borders two major sources of drugs - the Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent - consisting of parts of Central and South Asia.

In recent years, a number of African drug traffickers smuggled heroine from the Golden Crescent region or brought marijuana or cocaine to China illegally from Africa and South America.

Moreover, there has been an increase in drug trafficking crimes across the border between China and Russia, posing a serious threat to regional security and stability.

According to the ministry, the internet makes it easier for drug traffickers to contact each other, and traffickers use the internet to find clients, purchase chemicals for producing drugs, place orders and deliver drugs with international logistics or express shipments.

China will step up law enforcement cooperation with the other four BRICS countries "in pursuit of drug traffickers, controlling chemicals or new psychoactive substances that are easily produced into drugs, and repatriating suspects", according to Liang.

BRICS plays an important role in international affairs and has become an important force in international politics and economic development, which makes joining hands to combating drug crimes imperative, said Hong Daode, law professor from China University of Political Science and Law.

zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 09/05/2017 page6)