Shanghai Customs Wednesday set up two anti-smuggling sub-bureaus in the pilot free trade zone as part of efforts to strengthen checks on illegal activities.

The new units will increase monitoring of smuggling and crack down on other illegal activities, involving obscenity, gambling and drugs, to ensure a favorable environment is maintained for economic development, Shanghai Customs said.

Earlier this month, a new court was set up in the zone to hear cases on investment, trade, finance and intellectual property. A prosecutor's office was set up at the same time to process criminal cases in the zone, especially graft, and carry out crime prevention in various fields.

During a meeting with Shanghai-based consulate officials, Mayor Yang Xiong said the FTZ has operated well since its September debut.