China destroys 100,000 seized guns

Beijing, June 13 (IANS) Over 100,000 guns have been destroyed in China as part of a police crackdown on illegal arms in 150 cities across the country.

With Ministry of Public Security officials preparing to dispose of a further 250 tonnes of illegal explosives in coming days, Vice-Minister of Public Security Huang Ming said both forms of crimes are declining rapidly, China Daily reported.

Gun-related crime has fallen 46 percent year-on-year, while the number of explosive crime has also dropped by 39 percent, the ministry said.

According to police, a large part of the guns destroyed Tuesday were seized by police during raids while others were handed in by citizens.

Half of the guns were confiscated during the national campaign targeting illegal guns and explosives, launched in February and which continues until December.

Police so far have smashed over criminal organisations and detained 7,800 suspects involved in the illegal possession of guns and explosives in the crackdown.

Huang said gun-related crime poses a serious threat to public safety and strict control on firearms is essential to maintain public safety.

Many of the crimes being committed using firearms are closely connected to gangs, drug trafficking, gambling or other serious crime, he added.