Beijing combats prostitution, gambling

In an attempt to keep social orders and awe criminal activities from picking up in the capital city, Beijing is in full swing to clamp down hard on narcotics, prostitution and gambling.

The efforts are also meant to trying to eradicate unlawful acts prior to the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa, which begins on June 11.

Police in Beijing launched a crackdown on drugs, gambling and prostitution on Monday to clean up the city and advocate a healthy lifestyle, the official Xinhua news Agency reported.

"During the drive, we will crack down hard on organized crime behind all those social evils," Xinhua quoted He An'gang, a spokesman for the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, as saying.

Local police have detained 111 suspects and sealed off 33 entertainment venues in connection with prostitution rings since April 11 when a special campaign against prostitution kicked off.

Police have decided to expand the campaign to crimes related to drugs and gambling with the approaching of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that falls on June 26 and the FIFA World Cup in South Africa that opens on June 11, the spokesman said.

"The campaign of the 'three crackdowns' is to eradicate all social evils that go against the city's endeavors to build a global metropolis, and advocate a healthy, civilized and high-minded lifestyle," he said.

It is believed during the soccer World Cup one-month show time, criminal activities would climb as compared to ordinary times.

By People's Daily Online