Xinhua | March 5, 2025
VI. Adopting Comprehensive Measures for More Efficient Drug Control
China has made full use of its political and institutional strengths, and adopted comprehensive policy, legal, administrative, economic, and social measures for the control of fentanyl-related substances. To achieve effective protection against fentanyl-related risks and hazards, it has strengthened Party and government leadership, reinforced coordination across departments, promoted industry self-regulation, and raised public awareness.
– Strengthening accountability for drug control. China has exercised drug control from an overall and strategic perspective. It has formulated a responsibility evaluation method for areas afflicted by serious drug-related crime, and clarified the responsibilities of governments at all levels for drug control. Local authorities are required to closely monitor biopharmaceutical research and development centers, chemical and pharmaceutical parks, and other critical entities at high risk of involvement in the research and development of synthetic drugs such as fentanyl-related substances. They are responsible for setting up task forces to conduct thorough examinations, identify key enterprises, individuals and facilities, document their information, and keep them under close scrutiny. Officials who allow threats to develop by failing to grasp the gravity of the situation or failing to carry out their duties in full will be subject to oral investigation, exposure of their errors, or follow-up supervision. They will be required to rectify the problems within a specified deadline. Those whose negligence results in severe consequences and adverse impacts will be held accountable in accordance with relevant regulations.
– Reinforcing coordination across departments. Cyberspace, public security, and industry and information technology authorities have worked together to strengthen internet regulation. They have urged online chemical industry platforms to strengthen real-name authentication, conducted an intensive campaign to address websites and instant messaging platforms carrying information involving drug-related crime, and closed down non-compliant services in accordance with the law. Postal authorities have reinforced supervision and guidance on delivery services, and intensified efforts to ensure full implementation of the regulations requiring inspection of packages upon acceptance and dispatch, real-name authentication for delivery requests, and security screening through machines, with targeted measures for strengthening the detection and seizure of drugs. Customs authorities have reinforced risk assessment and port supervision, and devoted targeted efforts to prevent the smuggling of fentanyl-related substances through intensified inspections of high-risk cargo and articles. Authorities responsible for public health, market regulation, medical products supervision, and other sectors have worked in coordination to address and sanction medical institutions involved in fentanyl-related abuse, and take proactive measures to prevent the abuse of fentanyl-related medicines.
– Carrying out specialized education and training. In 2019, the Office of China National Narcotics Control Commission issued the Notice on Preventing Illegal and Criminal Acts Relating to Nonmedical Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Materials. The notice serves as a reminder to businesses and individuals in relevant industries by reiterating laws, regulations, and sanctions concerning drug control. In 2023, the office issued a new notice urging businesses and individuals to heighten their legal awareness and guard against the use of their exported goods for producing drugs and the attendant risk of legal liabilities. The office designed and circulated posters on preventing risks associated with fentanyl-related substances and other new drugs, and organized specialized training sessions aimed at improving the identification skills of professionals in relevant fields, in order to reinforce their awareness and ability to prevent risks and detect problems.
– Raising public awareness against drug abuse. Extensive public education has been carried out nationwide to prevent the abuse of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, fentanyl-related substances, and other addictive substances. Through collaborative efforts across departments, intensive educational campaigns have been conducted to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drug use. Targeted at teenagers, comprehensive, well-conceived, and systematic activities have popularized understanding of issues related to addictive substances, including fentanyl-related substances, clarified the dangers of abuse, and consolidated awareness against drug abuse. Educational programs to prevent illicit drug use and the abuse of narcotic and psychotropic drugs and other addictive substances among students and young people have been launched across the country, distributing informative materials and encouraging healthy lifestyles without drugs. In 2023, over 100 million students from more than 230,000 schools throughout the country participated in the National Anti-drug Knowledge Competition, whose live final attracted an online audience of over 40 million viewers.
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