Six members of a gang that smuggled more than 100 kilograms...

Six members of a gang that smuggled more than 100 kilograms of heroin into China were sentenced to death in Guangdong province, which borders Hong Kong, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.
The sentences were handed down in Dongguan, an industrial centre near Hong Kong that is emerging as a base for cross-border drug crime involving the former British territory.
The defendants shipped heroin from Myanmar, on China's southwest border, through southern China to Guangdong, Xinhua said. Police have reported huge seizures recently from Hong Kong and mainland gangs that are smuggling heroin, methamphetamines and other drugs through China to Hong Kong and foreign markets.
The defendants sentenced to death were identified as Bi Zhong, Sha Lingjie, Zhang Yong, Zhou Longqiong, Shu Jiying and Qiu Qiyun.
They were convicted of smuggling some 65 kilograms (143 pounds) of heroin, while other members of the gang were held responsible for the remainder, Xinhua said.
It said three others received suspended death sentences, which usually are commuted to life in prison, while seven received sentences ranging from 10 years to life.