A police chief in charge of anti-drug trafficking in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, was given seven years in prison for taking bribes and selling information to criminals to help them get reduced sentences, Qianjiang Evening News said on Monday.

The newspaper, based in Hangzhou, said Jiang Yunqiu, the 37-year-old chief of the anti-drug squad, received the sentence on Friday. He was also ordered to repay 110,000 yuan ($15,900) in bribes and 10,000 yuan of his personal wealth was confiscated.

In the summer of 2006, a man named Ke Qi, who was charged with wounding with intent, was introduced to Jiang. Ki asked Jiang if he could provide information on drug deals which he could pass on to the authorities in order to get a lighter sentence.

After receiving 10,000 yuan from Ke, Jiang gave him the phone number of one of his informers. The informer gave Ke the necessary information and he got a lighter sentence.

According to the law, people can get their punishments reduced by reporting the crimes of others. In some cases they can get their sentences reduced by three years.

In September, another man named Luo Zhengyi was charged with rape, His elder brother Luo Qinghe, boss of a car repair company, gave Jiang 100,000 yuan.

Luo Qinghe will face trial shortly on bribe charges, the newspaper said.

Jiang again told the same informer to give some information to Luo. This led to the capture of a drug dealer a month later.

However, at the trial the court did not accept Luo's claim of assistance. During his appeal, Jiang offered written testimony which helped Luo get a reduction in sentence.

Jiang during his trial claimed that he had voluntarily surrendered and asked for leniency.

Government employees taking bribes of more than 100,000 yuan are liable to more than 10 years in prison or even a life sentence.

(China Daily June 11, 2008)