The photo shows medical staff conducting tests for drugs. [Photo: baidu.com]

New measures are being rolled out in China to contain the fast spread of new psychotropic substances, also known as NPS or "laboratory drugs".

These are a range of drugs designed to mimic the effects of established illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.

In its latest move, 116 NPS have been added to "the list of non-medical psychotropic and anesthetic drugs for control."

Zhao Zhongchen, from the State Narcotics Control Office, explains the difference between NPS and traditional drugs.

"The psychoactive drug substances we refer to are different from the traditional drugs and synthetic drugs. The fast replacing synthetic drugs act more on the human brain and nervous system. The greatest harm of such substances is that people who use such drugs would cause trouble, as the drugs generate hallucinations, very harmful to society."

Related authorities, including public security, food and drug supervision and healthcare are to collaborate in the fight against the production, smuggling and abuse of the listed substances.

The manufacturers of these drugs are continually developing new chemical combinations to replace those that are banned in order to stay one step ahead of the law.