China continues to strengthen the positive momentum in its fight against drug trafficking, while a series of anti-drug publicity campaigns were held nationwide on Thursday to mark the 38th International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

China's immigration enforcement agencies nationwide have solved a total of 205 drug-related cases in border and port areas, arrested 262 criminal suspects and seized 2.42 tons of various drugs as of June 25, according to CCTV News on Thursday.

Among these cases, 38 involved seizures of over 10 kilograms of drugs, further consolidating the positive momentum in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking at border and port locations, according to the report.

Drug-related criminal cases in China have generally declined over the past decade, with the country's people's courts concluding 9,343 first-instance cases from January to May 2025, marking a 29.31 percent decrease year-on-year, according to the Supreme People's Court (SPC).

Since early 2024, the China Coast Guard (CCG) has seized 12.6 tons of methamphetamine, heroin, ketamine, cocaine, marijuana and other drugs, arrested 78 suspects, and dismantled five major cross-border trafficking gangs, according to CCG's official WeChat account on Thursday.

In particular, a total of 8.8 tons of drugs were seized in the first half of this year, a record high in the history of drug seizures by the CCG.

Drug abuse harms not only physical and mental health, but also disrupts economies, undermines international order due to its transnational nature and fuels related crimes, posing serious threats to national security and social stability, Li Wei, a researcher and security expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times.

In recent years, China's strict anti-drug enforcement has led to a steady decline in domestic drug-related crimes, but has yet to be fully eliminated, the expert noted. The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking underscores the pressing need for greater awareness and stronger action against drug trafficking, Li said.

"Extensive publicity is needed to make ordinary people aware of the dangers of drugs. Reducing the number of drug users will, in turn, help curb smuggling and trafficking. Anti-drug efforts still remain urgent and vital," he added.

The SPC also noted that new types of drug crimes are rapidly increasing in the country, surpassing traditional drug offenses, with a clear trend toward younger users and offenders. 

Li said the trend toward younger drug users may be closely linked to teenagers' limited awareness of drug risks, starting anti-drug education from childhood is crucial. 

An anti-drug campaign themed "Preventing Drug Abuse among Teenagers" was launched at the waiting hall of Beijing Railway Station on Thursday. By popularizing anti-drug knowledge, explaining the dangers of drugs and displaying common types of drugs to passing passengers, the campaign further enhanced passengers' awareness of identifying, preventing and rejecting drugs, according to CCTV.

An additional awareness event was also held on Thursday at the Beijing Capital International Airport on Thursday under the theme "Prevent Drug Abuse, Safeguard Health." The event featured video screenings, detection dog demonstrations, interactive games, and quizzes to promote public participation in drug prevention, people.cn reported.

In recent days, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan Province organized basketball tournaments and knowledge contests to promote anti-drug awareness in a way that resonates with the public, China Media Group reported on Thursday.

Li also highlighted China's joint anti-drug operations with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, noting the benefits to both sides' anti-drug efforts. 

A themed awareness campaign was held by local authorities from China and Vietnam on Wednesday, bringing together over 300 women and residents from the border area to promote anti-drug education, build a drug-free border, and enhance people-to-people exchanges, People.cn reported.