This represents a fall of 12.5 and 0.3 percent respectively when compared with the same period last year, according to sources with the Customs General Administration.

The majority of smuggling cases in the first six months of the year involved attempts to avoid taxes. Many smugglers deliberatelyunder-valued imports to customs to escape being levied with heavy charges, Tuesday's China Daily reported.

China's customs launched a three-month national campaign in Mayto crack down on tax-dodging with great success.

Smuggling by post is emerging as an important channel for criminals with customs detecting 104 such cases from January to June, 55 percent up on last year.

Customs sources said smuggling cases involving large amount of funds have soared this year with 56 cases involving more than 10 million yuan (1.2 million US dollars) detected in the first six months. Three huge smuggling cases involving 100 million yuan (12 million US dollars) each have been detected and are still being investigated.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2002)