Customs police in the autonomous region has so far solved 1,031 such cases, involving goods worth over US$17.35 million.

According to a customs official, the average value of smuggled goods in each case decreased from US$28,000 last year to US$17,000 this year, indicating an efficient control on smuggling in the area.

At the same time, local anti-smuggling forces handled 124 cases conducted by gangs, involving goods valued at US$32.17 million, up 80 and 7 percent respectively over the previous year.

In handling the cases, police detained 610 suspects and arrested 56,173 offenders.

Along with the effective crackdown on smuggling, the customs in the region have levied some US$130 million in tariffs so far this year.

(Xinhua 12/27/2000)