China, EU discuss cooperation on controlling precursor chemicals

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China and the European Union (EU) held a seminar in China recently to share experience in controlling precursor chemicals, the Chinese Ministry of Public Security said Tuesday.

The two sides each introduced the main measures and progress they made in curbing illegal production and transaction of precursor chemicals, and reviewed the latest development of this issue, according to a ministry press release, which did not provide exact details of the seminar.

Precursor chemicals are substances that can be used illegally to make narcotic drugs and psychoactive substances but they also have legitimate commercial uses.

The two sides shared experience of how to detect abuse and illegal production of precursor chemicals through testing waste water and how to encourage private companies to cooperate with the government, the statement said.

They also exchanged leads in certain cases involving suspects from both sides.

China and EU would like to better share experience in legislation, administration and law enforcement in this regard and work together to tighten monitoring of red-flagged precursor chemicals and investigate cases, the statement said. Enditem