Effective June 1, 2008, the Chinese government’s newest anti-drug laws come into effect. And, yes, that means you, Mr Laowai. If you're caught buying, holding or using you are looking at criminal charges and an all-expense paid trip through the Chinese justice system. You know this is bad when the best case scenario is deportation.

Touted as a “zero tolerance” law, it bans the production, sale, transport, storage, provision, possession and use of narcotic and psychotropic drugs including opium, heroine, methamphetamine, hydrochloride, morphine, cocaine and the more popular party drug, marijuana. It also sets strict rules on the clinical use of pharmaceuticals, chemicals and medicines that could be used to make narcotics and bans possession of these if not for medicinal purposes.

More pervasive is the citizen arrest style of enforcement. Namely, the law encourages people to report drug-related crimes, offering to protect and reward those who do. Further, if you think choosing not to take a toke while your friends do will save you, think again. Those “providing a place for others to take drugs or helping them to do so” can be prosecuted, fined, or detained for up to two weeks. If they deem your actions to not be a “crime,” you can still be detained for five days or receive a lesser fine for your actions. Owners of bars, nightclubs and other entertainment venues are also being held responsible for the actions of those who frequent their establishments and can be punished for failing to report drug users to the police. Bottom line? This law affects everyone, so it may be safest to start adhering to the “Just Say No!” slogan of your elementary school days.