KUNMING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- An anti-drug big data center launched in southwest China's Yunnan Province last month has rapidly helped solve drug cases, local police said Monday.
The Ministry of Public Security and the provincial public security department jointly launched the national anti-drug big data center in Yunnan on May 16.
The new center aims to solve drug cases using new technologies, such as big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things, and will serve as a national drug control database.
Based on information provided by the center, more than 280 drug-trafficking suspects and over 80 drug dealers have been arrested, over 70 drug gangs have been busted and more than 900 drug addicts have been found.
Besides tough anti-drug efforts, China has been making efforts to improve its drug rehabilitation system.
In a rehab center in north China's Shanxi Province, calligraphy, painting, music and traditional Chinese classics have helped people suffering from drug addiction.
"The hardest part of the process is that one needs to fight against himself. So we teach our residents calligraphy, painting and music so that they can give up drugs gradually," said Zhang Junhe, an official from the center.
Chen Lin, 28, started to use drugs three years ago. He wasted all his money and was bogged in debt. Fortunately, an officer discovered his musical talent in the center and helped him start a band there.
"I began to develop my hobby again and I'm off drugs now. I can be discharged in three months. I miss my wife and child so much," Chen said.
In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, local anti-drug departments and volunteers are also helping children who have been affected by drug addicted family members.
"Those families are always very poor. Some parents have been sent to compulsory detoxification centers or imprisoned. Children from these families often lack parental supervision and care, and are easily affected by negative factors. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of them and prevent them from following suit," said Xiong Yan, a local public security department member.
Volunteers from local community drug rehab centers in Wuzhong City of Ningxia have offered tutorship and psychological guidance for affected children since 2016. Many of them are now more optimistic and confident.
"I made such a big mistake, but so many people have helped me get better. There's no reason I won't cherish my life," said a father of two, who recently returned home from rehab.
"Holding the hands of those affected children, as well as their parents, we can keep those children away from drugs and adverse environments, meanwhile, the parents can feel the warmth from the society, so they can get back on track earlier," said Xiong.
