Beijing police authorities on Friday announced that passengers
who carry fireworks, oil paint or industrial alcohol when
travelling on buses or the underground will be detained for between
five and 15 days, according to the severity of the case.
Police will intensify security inspections on the city's buses
and subways by using dogs that are specially trained to seek
explosive material "in the near future", according to an official
with the Beijing Public Security Bureau. This is in light of the
fast-approaching new year period when the number of cases of
passengers carrying fireworks on public transport vehicles may
soar, said the official.
The official also said because of the booming real estate
market, the number of cases of passengers carrying oil paint for
apartment decoration using the bus or underground has risen
markedly over recent years.
Since the beginning of 2007, Beijing police has detected 496
cases of people carrying explosive material on public transport,
detaining 499 passengers and seizing more than 700 kilograms of
explosive material. Of those carrying explosives 70 per cent used
the underground, according to the Beijing Police Bureau.
However, Beijing underground, with a daily passenger flow of two
million, is powered by electricity at a voltage of almost 1000
volts. This kind of voltage and explosive substances are a
dangerous mix.
"Dogs that are specially trained for seeking explosives and
fireworks may find some clues men cannot, therefore they may help
us plug security loopholes," said the official.
About 30 specially trained dogs will be used and police have
asked passengers not to be worried or scared if they see police
dogs on the underground or the bus.
Police also encourage passengers to report to the police by
dialling the hotline 64011327 if they see someone carrying
explosives on the underground or the bus.
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(Xinhua News Agency December 8, 2007)
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