URUMQI, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Police in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region had confiscated 724 kg of drugs in 1,695 cases as of November this year, authorities said Wednesday.
More than 17,000 suspects were held regarding drug-related crimes.
Xinjiang launched a series of anti-drug operations targeting cross-border drug trafficking and online drug rings this year, according to Zhu Changjie, vice chairman of the regional government.
Police investigation showed the use of synthetic drugs had for the first time surpassed heroin and marijuana among new drug addicts in the region.
Zhu said Xinjiang would continue strengthening law enforcement cooperation, crack down on cross-border drug trafficking and continue campaigns to raise anti-drug awareness.
