Chinese police have destroyed 113 illegal gun factories and shops in a three-month crackdown on weapons and explosives, the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday.

Police also charged 1,794 people for illegally possessing explosives, guns or knives during that period.

"From June 2 to September 10, police dealt with 48,393 people suspected of possessing explosives, guns or knives, 4,684 of whom were arrested and 1,794 were prosecuted," said the ministry spokesman.

Police seized 2,445 tons of explosives, 4.81 million detonators and 117,000 guns.

About 40,000 safety risks were identified in explosive factories or storehouses, of which 32,000 were subject to rectification notices, while667 factories and storehouses had their licenses revoked.

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2006)