Guangdong police, working with their counterparts in Fujian province, seized more than 1.1 tons of methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice", after busting three major laboratories on May 14 and 15, according to a senior Guangdong police officer.

Another 1.2 tons of semifinished "ice", as well as abundant raw materials, tools and equipment, were also seized during the operations, which were launched simultaneously in seven cities, said Deng Jianwei, director of drug enforcement for the Guangdong provincial Department of Public Security.

"A total of 48 suspects, including two Taiwan residents, were detained, while 17 vehicles used to transport drugs, a pistol, 10 bullets and more than 7 million yuan ($1.13 million) in cash were also seized during the police operation," police said at a news conference in Guangzhou on Thursday.