CRI听力:No Rest until Sweeping Victory against Drugs: Xi

China has been holding a series of events to mark the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls today.

The country's first report on its drug situation was released on Wednesday. It stated that drug abuse remains a serious problem.

On Thursday, President Xi Jinping attended a meeting in Beijing to honor those fighting on the frontline against drugs.

He has called for a more comprehensive and coordinated effort to combat drugs.

"The anti-drug work concerns our nation's security, prosperity and people's well-being. We must fight the tough battle with a steadfast mind and solid work and there would be no rest until a sweeping victory."

Minister of Public Security, Guo Shengkun, who also heads China's anti-drug task force, warns there's an arduous task ahead.

"To win the anti-drug war, we must resort to a comprehensive approach with a focus on prevention. All efforts must be made to eradicate the soil on which the drug problem breeds and spreads."

During the meeting, President Xi Jinping expressed respect and thanks to police, workers and volunteers.

Premier Li Keqiang also attended the meeting.

According to the report on China's drug situation, China had nearly 3 million registered drug addicts at the end of 2014, but the real number who have used narcotics is thought to exceed 14 million.

That means one of every 100 Chinese may have used drugs.

The report also revealed that drug users in China are becoming younger. Over half of the addicts registered are under the age of 35.

Last year, 169 thousand drug crime suspects were captured in China.

Illegal drugs cost the Chinese economy an estimated 500 billion yuan or over 80 billion U.S. dollars this past year.