Police across Shanxi province detained 204 people in an anti-prostitution sweep that began on Feb 9, China News Service reported. Police had investigated 11,919 hotels, sauna houses, foot massage centers, dancing halls and karaoke bars by Feb 16.

More than 320,000 police officers were involved in the weeklong crackdown, which focused on rooting out organizations or individuals protecting local prostitution rings. The campaign dealt a heavy blow to underground prostitution organizers, according to a police statement.

The Ministry of Public Security earlier this week informed police across the country to tackle prostitution, gambling and illegal drugs.

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