"The Fujian coast is one of the most complex in China," says Capt. Wu Xiao Xong. "There are so many islands and reefs it's difficult to patrol here and search every corner where it's possible to hide boats and people."

The job has become tougher as more and more Chinese immigrants pay big bucks, risking their lives to be smuggled outside of China.

For many of the illegal immigrants, it all starts off the coast of Fujian Province.

They leave on small fishing boats, playing a cat and mouse game with Chinese police. Authorities say in the last several months, they've arrested more than 200 "snakeheads" — the people who illegally smuggle people for thousands of dollars.

It's brisk business, that's forced police to step up their border patrols.

That's one part of the solution. But authorities use other tactics to curb the illegal trend. On walls throughout villages, the anti-smuggling slogans are big and bold.

"If you're involved in illegal smuggling of immigrants," says one, "you will be severely punished."

Those who are caught are shown gruesome pictures of immigrants who've died during the risky trips.

Over the past year, nearly 600 Chinese migrants have arrived illegally in Canada. Chinese police say Canada could help by strengthening its immigration laws.

Canada's immigration Minister, Elinor Caplan, is visiting China this week and will learn about the problem first-hand.