China has beefed up security near the Amrok [Yalu] and Tumen Rivers, which together form the border with North Korea, the Daily NK has learned. It has installed fences and even surveillance cameras that operate around the clock, making it more difficult for North Koreans to cross over, according to a local source.

The aggressive move by China’s public security forces along the border area is likely a measure to crack down on drug trafficking, especially since now is the period when the Tumen River water levels run low, making it easier for smugglers to cross the border. China has declared a war against drugs, acknowledging it as a serious problem in the country.

Illegal drugs such as crystal meth [also referred to as bingdu, or ice] and opium produced in areas like Hamheung and Chongjin in North Hamgyung Province are mostly smuggled into China, where they sell for double the price they would fetch domestically, explaining the constant stream of drugs permeating the border.

“China has stepped up its surveillance on the border, making it more difficult [for North Koreans] to cross the river,” the source based in Yangkang Province told the Daily NK on Wednesday. “Even in the middle of the day, they have soldiers on watch, and at night they patrol the area frequently.”

The source elaborated, “Along the main cross-over points of the Tumen River, you can now easily spot Chinese border patrol, and they are keeping a watch on North Korea.” He added, “At night, they have military motorbikes and vehicles patrolling the area.”

He went to explain that until just last month, fences were all that were in sight, and it was difficult to spot Chinese soldiers, but with the border control forces in plain sight, many are wondering if an emergency or high alert order has been put out.

With the added security along the border area, North Korean merchants who used to smuggle metals and medicinal herbs across the border have taken a hit. Even North Korean guards who covertly help smugglers conduct trade have said, “The situation over there is not good at the moment, so it’s best to keep a low profile,” he concluded.