Police have begun a one-month crackdown on the production, sale and trafficking of imitation guns, which look like real weapons, to ensure security during the August Games in Beijing.

Marketing, storage and transport network of these guns will be tracked down and destroyed to stop their illegal production, the Ministry of Public Security said in a notice.

The ministry also asked its border inspection agencies to strengthen supervision and focus on illegal imports and exports of such guns.

China's Law on Control of Guns clearly forbids the manufacture and sale of imitation guns. Those violating the law can be detained for up to 15 days and face harsher punishment if their products lead to casualties.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2008)