Reborn Cat Sheriff

Chapter 493 Search
After finishing their barbecue, the group returned to the parking lot.

It was still early, not yet time for the rats to come out. So, out of boredom, some people simply sat in their cars and started watching short videos, some played cards or mahjong, and four or five people got out of their cars and huddled in a corner to smoke and avoid the wind.

Seeing that Zhuang Tao'er was bored and found two other policewomen, planning to go shopping at the night market stalls not far away, Zhong Kai temporarily put aside his suspicions about Xu Yang.

He turned to look for Lin Ge again, only to find Lin Ge perched on Chen Liang's shoulder, playing a mobile game with him. Judging from the sound, it seemed to be a game like Fruit Ninja that required quick reflexes. The cat had its two paws extended straight forward from Chen Liang's shoulder, happily swiping them across Chen Liang's phone. Chen Liang wasn't angry that the cat had taken his phone; he even cooperated by lifting the phone up so the cat could reach it more comfortably.

The two of them, a man and a cat, looked quite harmonious playing together. However, the cat seemed to be going through a molting phase. After rubbing against Chen Liang's shoulder for a short while, it left a lot of noticeable cat hair stuck to his shoulder, clothes, and neck.

Seeing that Chen Liang's shoulders had been stained white, Zhong Kai shook his head speechlessly.

"Old Lei, tell me the specifics. You were vague on the phone, so why do you need the help of my criminal investigation team?"

Shao Yongkang felt it was too cold outside, so he simply opened the car window, tossed the cigarette pack to Lei Hanqin, said a few words, and then turned his head to the car window to exhale a puff of smoke.

"This matter is indeed a bit troublesome."

Lei Hanqin, disliking the cheap cigarettes Shao Yongkang offered, tossed them back to him. He then took out his own cigarettes, lit one, and tossed the pack into Shao Yongkang's arms. "There's an anesthetic called etorizine, you know it, right? This stuff is a nationally controlled drug, strictly prohibited from being produced, manufactured, purchased, or used by individuals. Originally, this had nothing to do with our anti-drug unit, since it's only available in hospitals. Although it also has the effects of a drug affecting the central nervous system, it doesn't have the ease of drug transmission or the simple methods of use and large-scale dissemination. Therefore, for now, it's just a drug that needs strict control and isn't under our jurisdiction."

"But it is clear that you have discovered signs that this stuff can be turned into drugs, or even that it has been used in drug-related crimes."

Shao Yongkang raised an eyebrow and finished what Lei Hanqin wanted to say.

Due to the inherent lag in legal development, the discovery of any new type of drug poses a challenge to the law and relevant authorities. While national laws and regulations regarding drugs are quite strict, the police are somewhat constrained if a new drug is not yet included in the national controlled substance list. This isn't to say they can't intervene, nor that they can only stand by and watch the substance wreak havoc and threaten innocent people; rather, without a legal safety net, the number of law enforcement agencies and the severity of punishment are significantly reduced.

The battle between anti-narcotics departments and drug traffickers is never as simple as just arresting people and searching for drugs. Only when something is identified as a narcotics can anti-narcotics agencies impose the most severe penalties on users and dealers. But if it's currently just a controlled substance, then unfortunately, even if someone is caught, they can only be dealt with for obstructing drug administration. And without a doubt, such a charge is a joke to drug traffickers! At most, they'll face a few years in prison plus a meager fine, which is practically nothing to them. They only need to throw out one or two scapegoats to rapidly spread this new type of drug.

If anti-drug agencies are forced to turn a blind eye to drugs that already have narcotic effects due to such legal delays, the destructive power that drug traffickers could unleash during the period before the legislation is completed would be terrifying and unimaginable.

In this situation, the only thing the police can do is to intensify their investigation and cracking efforts, using manpower rather than legislative deterrence to arrest drug dealers and addicts who dare to do this again and again! No matter how much they do, they will never let them go.

Only in this way can we effectively contain this kind of drug that is not actually a drug.

To be honest, it was very tough!

They might even be criticized for being idle and having nothing better to do.

However, to some extent, this kind of case-handling process is the norm for anti-drug departments. They run themselves ragged for a few grams or tens of grams of drugs, or even a couple of pills, or even some things that are not even drugs. This is the daily work of anti-drug departments.

Those kinds of drug lords who wield tens or hundreds of kilograms of drugs are something that Zhangshi has only encountered once or twice in many years.

Shao Yongkang shook his head and sighed, "I've heard about the problem of erythromycin overdose, but ultimately only a small number of people have the ability to get this stuff from hospitals, right? What's going on this time? Did some venomous insects find a way to get it?"

"Isn't it just some kind of e-cigarette or something?"

Lei Hanqin gave a bitter laugh, gritting his teeth as he said, "You know that e-cigarettes can be fitted with all sorts of e-liquids. Last year, our unit, in cooperation with Mimi, busted a drug case involving e-cigarettes. And this time... some clever people discovered that e-cigarettes can be used to ignite e-liquid containing etomidate, so they created something called 'toxin powder.' Unlike the previous direct ingestion and injection methods, this toxin powder is now fully feasible for mass production, transportation, and sale. Moreover, since etomidate is not a drug, it's even easier to sell, as long as there's a legitimate company backing it up..."

"Selling controlled drugs? What kind of legality is that?!"

Shao Yongkang interrupted Lei Hanqin with wide eyes, then looked down at the half-burnt cigarette in his hand, frowned inexplicably, and threw it out the window.

"The severity of the crime and the level of supervision are what they are, and eventually loopholes will be found. The main problem is that the punishment is too lenient; we need to arrest more people to make those bastards behave themselves."

Lei Hanqin shook his head and gave a dismissive sneer.

"So this time we're going to investigate and even arrest people using the name of my criminal investigation team to deal with this drug-related smoke powder? Tsk tsk! Good! Let's make a big fuss and let those bastards know the attitude of Zhangzhou City. They'll be deterred and won't dare to be arrogant anymore."

Nodding knowingly, Shao Yongkang glanced down at his watch.

Looking up, he saw that Zhuang Tao'er and several other plainclothes policewomen had returned from shopping, so he opened the car door, got out, and stretched.

While the police officers around them were killing time in various ways, their attention was focused on the two captains. At this moment, they forgot that they were engrossed in their game and wanted to win at cards. They quickly turned off their phones, packed their things, and got out of their cars.

"Fifteen minutes left. Everyone, perk up and get ready. Check your equipment. This is a joint operation, so don't fucking mess up and embarrass me! If you make me a laughingstock, none of you will get away with it."

Shao Yongkang was rude and spoke crudely. But his men were surprisingly swayed by this, and they all quickly looked down to check their equipment, including but not limited to body cameras, flashlights, handcuffs, stun guns, and riot batons.

Seeing his subordinates from the Narcotics Control Team looking over, Lei Hanqin waved his hand, "You guys too! This time, the Criminal Investigation Team will be the main force, so everyone should cooperate and make sure to check for any omissions. Besides the e-cigarette devices that are the target, there are bound to be various other drugs and date rape drugs in this kind of mixed-use place. Make sure to find them all without missing anything. For the next period of time, at least until erythromycin is officially listed as a drug, we may need to cooperate with the Criminal Investigation Team many times. Everyone should keep a good attitude and avoid causing conflicts. Also, like Lao Shao said, don't mess things up or cause trouble, otherwise you all know the rules of our team..."

Lei Hanqin spoke slowly, but his men immediately knew he was serious when they saw his boss's attitude, and quickly put aside any contempt or relaxation.

"They're radiating murderous intent!"

Looking at these burly men with serious expressions and murderous intent, Lin Ge sighed.

In reality, there were only a little over sixty people in total. Compared to the much larger force he saw in Chu City, which even included armed police, and the force cooperating with them at Tianchi International Airport, the number wasn't particularly exaggerated. However, the aura displayed by these mere sixty-odd people, and their murderous intent as if they wanted to destroy everything, seemed far more ferocious than the airport's law enforcement officers who maintained a courteous attitude.

Moreover, most of the people present were old partners who had worked with Lin Ge before. Lin Ge felt more at ease with them and integrated into the group without any awkwardness. Therefore, when Shao Yongkang ordered Zhuang Tao'er to lead Mimi and Qiqi in their operation, Lin Ge spontaneously took on the task of leading and commanding Qiqi, freeing Zhuang Tao'er from the situation. Shao Yongkang didn't say much about this and immediately changed his mind, assigning Zhuang Tao'er to the assault team.

Without a doubt, the commandos who confront drug traffickers are far more likely to be in danger than those who block the way.

"Aren't you afraid Wang Guofeng will kill you? He treats his own daughter like this, so casually."

Lin Ge squatted on Qiqi's back and sighed.

Of all the officials, big and small, that Lin Ge knew in Zhangzhou, he had only ever seen someone as ruthless as Shao Yongkang. Look at how he'd turned such a beautiful young woman into such a pathetic figure!
But outwardly, no one could say a bad word about Shao Yongkang. Because this guy was always the one who charged ahead and faced danger head-on.

"set off!"

At Shao Yongkang's command, all the police officers immediately sprang into action.

With the sirens of police cars blaring, the night market street was completely blocked off. Ten officers on each side then positioned themselves behind the police cars to prevent anyone from entering or leaving freely, while several others quickly moved to the back alleys and secret passages, completely surrounding the night market street. Amidst the astonished gazes of the terrified crowd, the remaining forty officers split into five teams and swiftly rushed towards the entertainment venues whose lights were flashing in the darkness.

Small karaoke shops were handled by a single team, while larger bars and KTVs were managed by two or even three teams working together. Everyone sprang into action, creating a tense atmosphere and a great deal of commotion.

Lin Ge followed Shao Yongkang into a karaoke bar. The menacing appearance of a group of police officers terrified the hostess at the entrance. However, Shao Yongkang only instructed Chen Liang to keep watch and prevent anyone outside from tipping off the suspects before quickly entering each private room to search for drugs.

In this almost enclosed environment, the unusual smells or odors produced by most drug use are easily detectable with just a sniff. Therefore, Shao Yongkang and his group moved quickly, entering and exiting the private rooms with fluid ease. However, drugs are a shady business, and aside from catching two disheveled idiots with lipstick on their faces, they found no one using drugs in the KTV.

The person in charge who rushed over after hearing the commotion bowed and scraped to Shao Yongkang in a flustered manner. After confirming that the two men were indeed suspected of soliciting prostitution, Shao Yongkang ordered his men to take them away and then looked at Lin Ge, who had been following him on horseback.

Lin Ge shook his head.

Although the KTV had a terrible environment and smelled terrible of cosmetics and alcohol, no one was found to be using drugs.

Or to put it another way, a gathering of two or three drug addicts wouldn't dare come to such a busy, large establishment. And even if a larger group had to choose a private room, the smell of multiple people using drugs would be very noticeable, making it impossible for Lin Ge to miss it.

"Well, at least we've gained something."

Shao Yongkang grinned and wasn't angry.

Even if they didn't find a single drug user today, finding two seasoned prostitutes wouldn't be a complete waste. Having confirmed that the prostitutes and the KTV had no employment or commission relationship, Shao Yongkang had Chen Liang give the person in charge a 'threatening' lecture, then turned and went to the second shop.

Just then, Lei Hanqin led his team out of the store, his face ashen, and shook his head when he saw Shao Yongkang.

Before long, the other two teams also came out of a small shop, seemingly having found nothing.

"This is a bit of an inauspicious start!"

Shao Yongkang sighed. He absolutely refused to believe that the rumors about the new type of drug, which had already reached the anti-narcotics squad, could be completely eradicated in a night market entertainment venue. If they didn't consider the possibility of someone tipping them off beforehand, it could only be bad luck, or the enemy being more cautious than expected. The truth would become clear after tonight's operation. If such a large-scale operation failed to catch a single person in one night, then there was definitely something wrong with the operation itself!
The two team leaders, their faces grim, said little and went straight to other entertainment venues in the street.

As time passed and the noise from the police operation grew, fewer and fewer customers remained in the shops. Even though Shao Yongkang had sent people to strictly order each shop not to secretly let customers leave, how could such a thing be stopped?

Those who cooperate fully with the police are usually honest, law-abiding citizens. But how can someone who chooses to open a KTV, a place teeming with all sorts of people, truly be considered honest?

Of course, Shao Yongkang wasn't angry.

Let's take it slow and steady!

Going home empty-handed once is nothing; there will be a second and a third time! Just like a fisherman, how could he give up completely just because he came away empty-handed once? He won't give up until he's fished the pond dry. And these shops, you can try to use underhanded tactics, but don't let us catch you! If you ever let a drug dealer or drug addict escape and we have solid evidence, or if a drug addict confesses to escaping from your shop... well, sorry, you'd better go sit in the police station first!

"Boss, we've got something!"

An anti-drug police officer excitedly approached Lei Hanqin and pointed to several middle-aged men handcuffed behind him, brought over by his colleagues, saying, "These guys were secretly baking tin foil in that shop over there, and we caught them red-handed!"

"Not Etomid?"

Lei Hanqin frowned. Was this shot destined to miss today?

When he heard it was just ordinary stuff, Shao Yongkang, who had rushed over, was a little disappointed. But it didn't matter! Catching the poisonous insects would lead to clues, and they could slowly trace the trail back! Following the clues, they would eventually find a few people worth taking a bullet for.

"The entire Yang gang, including the two big brothers, has been caught completely. Not even the lowest-ranking henchmen escaped. I never thought that drugs in Zhang City still haven't been eradicated!"

Although he knew that completely eradicating drugs was unrealistic, Lingo still sighed.

Furthermore, since this operation targeting Yi Tuo Mi Zhi focused on this night market street, it must mean the police had some prior intelligence. But to come up empty-handed under these circumstances, isn't that a bit strange?
A little tired, Qiqi whimpered. It had only carried the eldest brother on walks all day and hadn't done anything else, which made it somewhat disheartened.

But then, glancing at the two German Shepherds being led by the narcotics officers, who were looking at him with envy, Qiqi felt a strange sense of pride. After all, only he could carry their boss; these other dogs didn't have that luxury!

"Wow~"

Thinking of this, Qiqi revealed an ugly smile and called out to Lin Ge.

"So, where exactly did things go wrong?"

Lin Ge still felt somewhat unwilling. Although Shao Yongkang and Lei Hanqin had already made business with both sides, there was no information or gain regarding tobacco powder, which was somewhat abnormal.

"Report! Two people secretly selling nitrous oxide in a bar have been caught red-handed, along with the buyer!"

New news arrived, diverting Lingo's attention.

Especially when the police forced the suspect to open his van parked on the side of the road, revealing dozens of bottles of nitrous oxide the size of hot water bottles inside, the faces of all the police officers turned extremely dark.

It's only been a few months since the arrests of Da Yang and Xiao Yang, and now someone in Zhangzhou is brazenly starting up a drug business again?
This is nothing short of a provocation against the Municipal Narcotics Control Detachment and a desecration of Zhao Zhigao, who paid such a heavy price! The good news is that one of the two arrested suspects is from out of town, clearly there to seize the vacant territory in Zhangzhou City; the bad news is that drug traffickers are still eyeing the untapped market in Zhangzhou City, and haven't backed down because of the fates of the Yang brothers. In other words, the burden on the shoulders of the narcotics police remains heavy.

"Forget it! Let's not talk about that for now, let's just take them down step by step! Let's get back to the topic of etoposide. I don't believe there's not a trace of it! Even a drug addict knows to try to get this stuff from a hospital, I don't believe drug dealers don't have that idea!"

Lei Hanqin stomped his foot angrily.

The group continued their investigation.

"Can't you let us out? We're not criminals, why are you stopping us here!"

Lin Ge's ears twitched, and he suddenly heard a somewhat familiar voice.

Turning my head, I saw a large crowd gathered near the cordon at the end of the street, trying to leave. Although reinforcements from the Longquan Police Station were helping to maintain order and seal off the checkpoint, the situation there still seemed precarious.

The group confronting the police were six or seven young men who were clearly a group of people, one of whom they had just seen.

(End of this chapter)