Chinese people handed in 19,000 firearms in a single week in response to the nation's crackdown on illegal firearms, explosives and knives.

In a highly publicized campaign week from Aug. 14 to 20, local public authorities received 115.8 tons of explosives, 305,000 detonators and 124,000 meters of fuse voluntarily handed in by individuals.

They also collected six tons of black powder, 422,000 bullets and 145,000 knives from individuals, according to the Ministry of Public Security on Thursday.

The ministry did not reveal how the public had acquired these illegal possessions.

The campaign, publicized by posters, slogans and mobile vehicles in public places, had received strong support from the people, according to the ministry.

During the week, public security authorities also received 3,259 reports from the public revealing crimes involving firearms, explosives and knives from cities and provinces like Beijing, Hebei, Henan, Shanxi and Guangdong. This information helped the police crack 680 cases and detain more than 2,900 suspects.

The crackdown on the illegal production, trade, stockpiling and use of firearms, explosives and knives was launched nationwide in early June. Thousands of guns and knives and tons of explosives have been seized by police.

Source: Xinhua