China actively addresses abuse of non-scheduled addictive substances: SPP

Chinese procuratorial authorities will actively address the problem of abuse of non-scheduled addictive substances, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) said Thursday.

Procuratorates at all levels will continuously adapt to the changing drug situation, analyze the evolving methods and types of drug-related crimes, and work with relevant departments to issue normative documents on handling cases involving non-scheduled addictive substances, said Zhang Jianzhong, an SPP procurator, at a media conference.

"Prosecutors will maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward crimes involving non-scheduled addictive substances, and strictly crack down on the illegal production and sale of such substances," Zhang said. Offenses involving the instigation, inducement, or deception of minors into abusing these substances will be severely punished, Zhang added.

Procurators will strengthen coordination and cooperation with relevant authorities such as food and drug regulation, market supervision, and emergency management, to jointly crack down on the offenses.

They will also educate and guide the public, especially young people, to develop an awareness of refusing the abuse of non-scheduled addictive substances, enhance their ability to recognize and resist drugs, and help foster an anti-drug social environment, Zhang said.