CHINA SENTENCES 6 TO DEATH FOR HEROIN SMUGGLING

BEIJING - Six members of a gang that smuggled more than 100
kilograms (220 pounds) of heroin into China have been sentenced to
death in Guangdong province, which borders Hong Kong, the official
Xinhua News Agency reported Monday.

The sentences were handed down Sunday in Dongguan, an industrial
center near Hong Kong that is emerging as a base for cross-border drug
crime involving the former British territory.

The defendants shipped heroin from Myanmar, on China's southwest
border, through southern China to Guangdong, Xinhua said.

Police have reported huge seizures recently from Hong Kong and
mainland gangs that are smuggling heroin, methamphetamines and other
drugs through China to Hong Kong and foreign markets.

The defendants sentenced to death Sunday were identified as Bi Zhong,
Sha Lingjie, Zhang Yong, Zhou Longqiong, Shu Jiying and Qiu Qiyun.

They were convicted of smuggling some 65 kilograms (143 pounds) of
heroin, while other members of the gang were held responsible for the
remainder, Xinhua said.

It said three others received suspended death sentences, which usually
are commuted to life in prison, while seven received sentences ranging
from 10 years to life.