Thirteen suspected drug traffickers and 500,000 yuan (US$60,000) of drugs were seized last week by Hainan Province police in the island province's largest transnational drug case since 1988, when the province came into being.

Drugs totalling 2,920 grammes were seized, including 450 grammes of "ice," or methamphetamine, 1,500 grammes of caffeine and 970 grammes of heroin, with a combined value of some 500,000 yuan (US$60,900).

The gang stands accused of illegally dealing more than 2,000 grammes of drugs in a month in Hainan, distributing them to several cities and counties in the province.

Three secret cabins used for storage and processing were smashed open by the local police, who have been keeping a close watch on the gang over the past two months.

A series of "criminal tools" were found, including several bank books, visa cards, 16 mobile phones, three motorcycles, scales and scissors.

Police first became aware of the gang in October.

They uncovered a well-organized drug-dealer network emerging in Haikou, the provincial capital.

Source: China Daily