The State Council will form a leading group for intensive crackdown on crimes endangering drug safety, according to a circular released by the General Office of the State Council on June 24.

The leading group will be in charge of the overall planning of intensive crackdowns against drug crimes, investigating and resolving major issues concerning drug safety.

State Councilor Wang Yong was appointed head of the group, while Du Hangwei, vice-minister of public security, Jiao Hong, head of the National Medical Products Administration, and other officials were appointed as deputy heads. The group’s members include Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, and Li Bin, deputy head of the National Health Commission.

With its office set up in the National Medical Products Administration, the leading group will monitor and inspect campaigns targeting crimes endangering drug safety at local levels, and publicize related achievements. The office will be headed by Xu Jinghe, deputy director of the National Medical Products Administration.

Local governments at and above county level are required to establish working mechanisms for cracking down on crimes endangering drug safety, according to the circular.