Police across Guangdong province detained more than 15,000 suspects in 49 operations code-named Jufeng (hurricane) since launching the campaign in January 2017.

Lin Weixiong, deputy director of the Guangdong Public Security Department, said police also busted at least eight clandestine criminal gangs in rural areas that had affected grassroots elections, shook the authority of local governments and disrupted social order.

"Meanwhile, 16.4 metric tons of different kinds of drugs, large amounts of bank notes, stolen mobile phones and other items were seized during the operations," Lin said in Guangzhou on Tuesday.

"Jufeng operations have helped residents retrieve economic losses valued at more than 3 billion yuan ($461.54 million)," Lin said.

The operations have dealt a heavy blow to criminal activities in the province as well as contributed to ensuring a better environment for economic development, he added.

Lin hinted that more operations will be launched this year.