Chinese police uncovered about 670 sites involved in the illegal production and distribution of guns last year, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

Statistics released by the ministry on January 15 show that police authorities across the country investigated around 14,000 cases involving a range of illegalities in 2012, including the production, trade and possession of guns and explosives.

More than 20,000 people were apprehended for suspected involvement in weapon violations and some 360 criminal organizations were busted, the ministry said.