By the end of 2023, the number of drug users in China stood at 896,000, marking a 20.3 per cent decrease compared to the previous year.

This is according to an official report.

The 2023 situation report was issued by the office of the China National Narcotics Control Commission on Wednesday.

The report said in 2023, there were about four million individuals who had successfully abstained from drug use for three years, representing a 7.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

“The country cracked a total of 42,000 drug-related criminal cases in 2023, apprehending 65,000 suspects and seizing 25.9 tonnes of various types of drugs.

“In addition, a total of 938.5 tonnes of precursor chemicals used in drug production were seized nationwide in 2023, marking a 42.2 per cent increase year-on-year.

“Since the beginning of 2024, China has strengthened control over the sources of precursor chemicals used in the production of drugs.

“China has also adjusted the list of controlled chemical substances exported to specific countries and regions and added 24 new controlled substances to the list,’’ the report said.

Wei Xiaojun, the executive deputy director of the office, said the overall situation regarding drugs in China was manageable.

Mr Xiaojun said the narcotics control authorities would continue to improve the drug control system and actively engage in international cooperation in drug control.

(Xinhua/NAN)