The Ministry of Public Security paid bonuses ranging from 10,000 yuan (US$1,200) to 3,000 yuan (US$360) Thursday to 18 individuals who have given tips to help police crackdown on gambling.

Currently, the ministry is leading a nationwide campaign against gambling and has encouraged people to call, write of e-mail any helpful information.

So far, police have received almost 1,300 tips on the illegal activities from all over the country, said a spokesman of the ministry's special office in charge of the issue.

People are encouraged to continue their assistance to police in the anti-gambling drive, as part of the effort to build up a harmonious society in the country, the official said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 27, 2005)