Beijing Intensifies Drug Crime Crackdown Amid Declining Cases

In recent statements, Beijing's high people's court highlighted a marked reduction in drug-related cases as part of the city's ongoing efforts to combat drug crimes. In 2024, the courts processed 122 drug criminal cases, which represented a 25 percent decrease compared to 2023 and an impressive decline of 91.5 percent from the peak figures recorded in 2015. This trend reflects the success of comprehensive drug control measures implemented throughout the city.

Over the past three years, the court has observed that the most common offenses associated with drug crimes include drug smuggling, trafficking, manufacturing, and purchasing. Other serious issues such as enabling drug use and illegal possession of drugs also feature prominently in the statistics. Recognizing the continually evolving landscape of drug offenses, the court stressed the critical need to intensify the fight against novel psychoactive substances, as these drugs have led to a rise in associated crimes.

In a notable observation from the previous year, judges in Beijing reported an alarming increase in crimes involving cannabis extracts. Additionally, the smuggling of "date rape" drugs surged into the country, contributing to 20 percent of all drug-related cases. With the emergence of regulatory challenges surrounding substances like meprobamate and dextromethorphan, the complexity of drug-related crime has escalated.

In light of these developments, the high court has committed to maintaining a vigorous approach towards tackling drug offenses. There is a particular emphasis on the need for judges to pay closer attention to new kinds of drugs, coupled with initiatives aimed at increasing public awareness and education about drug laws, particularly to engage and inform younger generations.