China's police authority on Friday once again reiterated its determination to crack down on illegal possession and production of guns, especially in western China.

The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has launched an eight-month campaign beginning in March to seize illegal firearms in ten provinces, including Yunnan, Qinghai and Fujian.

"Police in these areas have investigated 94 gun-related cases involving 279 suspects, and confiscated 432 guns," said a MPS spokesman.

The ministry will offer awards up to 10,000 yuan (US$1,282) to members of the public offering clues about illegal possession of firearms.

China's police have confiscated 12,350 tons of explosives and 502,000 guns in the past five years. The number of explosion and gun violence cases has dropped in recent years, thanks to several national campaigns.

(Xinhua News Agency June 2, 2007)