China’s judicial authorities report a paradoxical shift in the nation’s narcotics landscape, where traditional drug cases have dramatically decreased while novel psychoactive substances emerge as an increasingly formidable challenge. According to data released by the Supreme People’s Court, Chinese courts concluded 23,732 first-instance drug-related cases in 2025, representing a substantial 33.82% decline from the previous year and a remarkable 82.93% reduction from 2015 figures.
The sustained downward trajectory in conventional drug cases reflects the effectiveness of China’s stringent anti-drug campaigns and enhanced governance measures. However, judicial officials caution that the overall drug situation remains complex and volatile due to evolving international and domestic factors. As traditional substances face intensified suppression, criminal elements have pivoted toward medical narcotics, psychotropic substances, and new psychoactive alternatives for both abuse and trafficking operations.
This strategic shift has produced alarming regional patterns, with new drug cases surpassing traditional cases in certain provinces—accounting for over half of all drug-related prosecutions in some areas. These novel substances present unique detection challenges as they frequently mimic everyday consumer products including chocolates, cookies, beverages, and e-cigarettes. Their highly concealable nature and deceptive packaging complicate law enforcement efforts while increasing youth vulnerability.
In response, the Supreme People’s Court has mandated intensified judicial actions against new drug crimes targeting juveniles, with enhanced penalties for smuggling, manufacturing, and large-scale trafficking operations. The judiciary simultaneously emphasizes the need to protect legitimate medical access for patients while ensuring precise legal characterization of offenses and appropriate sentencing standards across all court levels.