![China's Latest Crystal Meth Raids Look Epic [PHOTOS]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-28356061%2Cwidth-700%2Cresizemode-4%2Cimgsize-196777%2Fchinas-latest-crystal-meth-raids-look-epic-photos.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
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Paramilitary policemen carry seized crystal meth at Boshe village, Lufeng, Guangdong province, December 29, 2013. Police in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong have seized nearly three tonnes of the drug crystal
These photos show raids conducted at the end of December and just publicized today, which saw paramilitary troops and police officers used helicopters and speedboats to seize three tons of methamphetamine (a.k.a. crystal meth) and 23 tonnes of raw materials used in its production.
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Police cars are seen during a raid where three tonnes of crystal meth were seized at Boshe village, Lufeng, Guangdong province, December 29, 2013. According to Xinhua News Agency, Lufeng provides one-third of the crystal meth nationwide over the past three years. Police arrested 182 suspects for producing and trafficking drug during the action. Picture taken December 29, 2013.
According to reports in Chinese media, nearly 200 suspects from 18 drug rings were arrested in near the city of Lufeng, Guangdong Province. The area is believed to have provided almost one-third of China's crystal meth over the past three years.
REUTERS/Stringer
Paramilitary policemen guard suspects during a raid where three tonnes of crystal meth were seized at Boshe village, Lufeng, Guangdong province, December 29, 2013. According to Xinhua News Agency, Lufeng provided one-third of the crystal meth nationwide over the past three years. Police arrested 182 suspects for producing and trafficking drug during the action. Picture taken December 29, 2013.
According to China Daily, those arrested in the raid included a former local Communist Party chief and village head. Three officers were reportedly injured in the raid, with two shot and one hit by a car.
REUTERS/Stringer
Police check seized crystal meth at Boshe village, Lufeng, Guangdong province, December 29, 2013. According to Xinhua News Agency, Lufeng provided one-third of the crystal meth nationwide over the past three years. Police seized three tonnes of crystal meth and arrested 182 suspects for producing and trafficking drug during the action. Picture taken December 29, 2013.
The raid was reportedly part of "Operation Thunder," an anti-drug initiative started by Guangdong authorities last year. According to AFP, methamphetamine is the second most popular drug in China after heroin, with sales of the two drugs estimated to be worth $30 billion throughout China and Southeast Asia in 2012.
REUTERS/Stringer
Policemen arrest a suspect during a raid where three tonnes of crystal meth were seized at Boshe village, Lufeng, Guangdong province, December 29, 2013. According to Xinhua News Agency, Lufeng provided one-third of the crystal meth nationwide over the past three years. Police arrested 182 suspects for producing and trafficking drug during the action. Picture taken December 29, 2013.