The
Chinese government has begun cracking down on a problem that's
familiar to Canadians, the smuggling of humans.
Along the southeast
coast of China, armed police are on the lookout for evidence of
illegal smuggling. It's a daunting task.
"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.