Chinese police have confiscated more than 100,000 guns, since it launched a special nationwide campaign on the illegal possession of explosives and firearms three months ago, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

As of August 30, police seized 1,648 tons of explosives, 3.84 million detonators, 1.95 million meters of fuse, 105,000 guns, 103,000 imitation guns, 2.3 million bullets, 990,000 knives.

Meanwhile, police have handled 6,500 criminal cases involving manufacturing, trading, transporting, storing, carrying, concealing explosives and firearms. They have uncovered 110 thefts of explosives; and have arrested 4,250 suspects involved in these cases.

Police had also closed down 360 underground manufacturers and dealers of explosives and guns.

During the campaign, people voluntarily handed over 289 tons of explosives, 1.14 million detonators, 500,000 meters of fuse, nine tons of explosive powder, 54,000 guns, 1.02 million bullets, and 250,000 knives.

(Xinhua News Agency September 7, 2006)