State Councilor Zhao Kezhi on June 22 called for efforts to expedite the construction of a high-standard anti-narcotics laboratory system, boost technological innovation and improve drug control capacity.

Zhao, also director of the China National Narcotic Control Commission, made the remarks while inspecting the Beijing regional center of the national anti-drug laboratory.

He also visited and sent greetings to frontline officials and workers dedicated to security and drug control for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Zhao declared the official start of operations for the laboratory's Beijing, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Sichuan and Shaanxi centers on a video conference, urging them to form an anti-drug laboratory system covering the whole country with accurate goals and complementary functions.

The lab should provide high-quality technological support for practical issues in drug control, enhance talent cultivation, pay attention to new types of drugs of concern to the international community, and increase international exchanges and cooperation, Zhao said.

He also urged promoting educational campaigns against narcotics for a safe and stable social environment for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC.

Zhao made the inspection ahead of this year's International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which falls on June 26.