Police in Beijing apprehended more than 20 people, including eight foreigners, in suspicion of using and trafficking drugs in two downtown bars, said Beijing's public security authority early on Saturday.

Police in Chaoyang district were tipped off that some drug traffickers and users gathered in pubs in Sanlitun, a bar area popular among both Chinese and foreigners, said the press office of Beijing Public Security Bureau.

After investigations at the area, police confirmed that Phoenix Cafe and Pure Girl Bar were the two places that drug-traffickers frequented.

In a special inspection campaign on Friday night, police apprehended the suspects and seized drugs including Yaba tablets, ecstasy and marijuana.

The two pubs were suspended of operation. Investigations in the suspects and the owners of the two pubs are also underway, the spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2008)