China's drug regulator said Monday 558 websites that had released false drug information were shut down, and sales of 653 drugs were suspended over illegal advertisement in 2009.

Shao Mingli, director of State Food and Drug Administration, revealed the information on the annual drug regulation conference held Monday.

Shao said 36,000 illegal drug advertisements were handed over for investigation, and 231 suspects involved in major cases were seized last year.

The director pledged tougher punishment against sales of fake or shoddy drugs and illegal drug advertisement.