High-tech methods refine border checkpoint work

Decline in drug cases

Since its establishment in 1978, the checkpoint has uncovered over 13,000 drug-related cases, seizing a total of 13 tons of drugs and over 400 tons of precursor chemicals for drug production.

Through the implementation of data analysis and other enhanced anti-drug measures, the border checkpoint has seen a marked decline in the number of drug cases detected.

Liu Cuibin, director of the checkpoint, said there was a major drug seizure at the checkpoint on New Year's Eve in 2023.

Shortly after 7 pm, a truck carrying charcoal arrived at the checkpoint. Utilizing big data insights, the officers identified the driver as a local resident. Records indicated the charcoal had been loaded onto the truck three days earlier.

Analysts suggested that if the delivery was urgent, the driver would have departed already. Conversely, if there was no rush, a local driver would typically return home for New Year's Eve dinner. The analysts believed the situation appeared quite unusual.

Acting on this intelligence, the duty officers decided to conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle and uncovered nearly 93 kg of methamphetamine concealed beneath the charcoal.

"Over the past year, no drug-smuggling activities were detected at this checkpoint. However, leveraging intelligence leads, officers from the checkpoint successfully uncovered three cases in other locations, seizing a total of 53.6 kg of drugs," Liu said. "This reflects a downward trend compared with previous years."

Recent statistics on drug users released by the Yunnan Provincial Narcotics Control Commission underscored the success of drug control efforts.

In 2025, the number of registered drug users in the province fell by 30 percent year-on-year to the lowest level in two decades, while the number of former drug users remaining drug-free for more than three years also reached a 20-year high.

Hu Wenwu, a political instructor at the checkpoint, said with drug-related cases now comprising only a small fraction of cases handled at the checkpoint, new directions for development are being looked at.

"We will further strengthen our data analysis capabilities to more accurately target a range of illegal and criminal activities," Hu said.

The checkpoint also intends to implement measures to speed up the inspection and clearance process, especially for logistics vehicles transporting fresh produce. Hu said even a one-hour delay for perishable goods can lead to higher costs and increased risks for drivers, who might feel compelled to rush to make up for lost time.

"We are considering the implementation of a green passage scheme," Hu said. "For example, vehicles and cargo from a reputable logistics company that are currently inspected daily could have their inspection frequency adjusted to random checks every three, five, or even seven days, depending on their track record."