Chapter 37: The Surveillance Plan (1)

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“What kind of accident happened?” the Director asked.

“Originally, I had her son coordinate with the drug dealer who sells cigarettes. We arranged for her son to purchase drugs again, and our bureau provided the money for the purchase. Her son cooperated fully with the police and transferred the money. The meeting place for the transaction was also agreed upon. However, when we deployed officers for the arrest, the cunning dealer suddenly notified her son that the deal was canceled and refunded the money. After that, the phone calls went unanswered.”

“I suspect the other party realized it was a trap and chose to cancel the transaction rather than risk being caught, even if it meant returning the money.”

“Alright, everyone, that concludes my report. Next, I will invite our Public Relations Department officer to explain how our bureau determined that this drug dealer is connected to Yang Xiaoqiang, who is listed on Interpol’s Red Notice,” Director Zhang said.

“Damn it!” The Director slammed his hand on the table angrily.

At that moment, a petite female officer in a blue police uniform stood up. Facing the Director, she greeted, “Good day, Director.”

Then, turning to everyone, she said, “Greetings to all the leaders present. I am Investigator He Qiaoqiao from the Public Relations Department of our city’s Public Security Bureau. I will now report on how we concluded that the suspect is linked to Yang Xiaoqiang, who, as Director Zhang mentioned, is wanted internationally under a Red Notice. When our department learned that drugs were being distributed in our city—especially in the crowded public areas of that KTV—Director Zhang and our leadership immediately held a meeting to discuss the matter. Afterward, our team coordinated with the Security Division to conduct inspections and surprise raids at major KTV venues following the parent’s son’s report and confirmation of the drugs.”

“I surmise that because we launched these raids promptly, the dealer became suspicious and canceled the deal.”

“Ah, Director Zhang, you see, the operation wasn’t flawless. Why notify them before the arrest?” the Director remarked.

“Yes, yes, sir. At the time, we feared that the dealer might harm more innocent youths like the parent’s son, so we acted immediately. I admit we didn’t consider everything,” Director Zhang responded.

“Alright, Investigator He, please continue,” the Director said, looking at her.

He Qiaoqiao stepped up to the table where Ren Zhengxiang’s laptop had been placed and began operating the computer. After a few commands, a notice in black text on a white background was projected.

It read:

“Dear citizens, recently, our city’s Qianyuan KTV has uncovered a highly pure drug concealed inside cigarettes for sale. The dealers disguised themselves as salespeople, leading to inadvertent inhalation by some individuals. The police urge everyone not to smoke unknown cigarettes or accept items from strangers.”

“Furthermore, regarding the source of the drugs and the trafficking activities in our city, our bureau is publicly soliciting information. Anyone providing credible leads will be rewarded between 50,000 and 100,000 RMB. We guarantee the confidentiality of informants’ identities.”

“Please report any information to: 36846xx (landline), or email: tip@citypsb.gov.cn.”

“This notice was posted citywide after our initial raids found no suspicious activity at KTVs. The very next afternoon, a concerned citizen called to report suspected drug users near a local hotel. These individuals appeared thin, with red eyes, resembling zombies. They were unmistakably drug users.”

“Upon receiving this tip, we dispatched officers from the nearest precinct to investigate. After staking out for several hours, they indeed encountered the suspects. Our investigation revealed that these individuals had just been released from a detox center in another province.”

“Subsequently, we received numerous reports and messages from citizens. To our surprise, more than half mentioned sightings of Yang Xiaoqiang, who had quietly entered our country some time ago. Some even sent photos of a suspected Yang Xiaoqiang to our email, with multiple witnesses.”

“On this basis, we concluded that the source of the drugs in our city—especially the highly pure substance, at 95% purity, that the parent inhaled—is definitely connected to Yang Xiaoqiang.”

“Director, distinguished leaders, that concludes my report.”

“Thank you,” she said, stepping down and returning to her seat.

“Director, whether or not the dealer selling drugs disguised as cigarettes is Yang Xiaoqiang or connected to him, they surely won’t dare return to our city. Our Public Security Bureau has broadcast this matter through local TV and media. Citizens are urged to report any sightings or suspicions involving Yang Xiaoqiang or drug trafficking. Reporting earns rewards,” Zhang added.

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“However, Director, I must report that although Yang Xiaoqiang dares not enter our city, he may attempt to operate in other cities, especially in the provincial capital, Tyuan,” Zhang continued.

“Director, my report is complete,” Zhang said.

“Good, very good,” the Director sighed.

He then turned to Director Shang of Tyuan Public Security Bureau and asked, “Director Shang, have you received any reports of drug discoveries?”

“Director, to be honest, this afternoon we received an anonymous tip about drugs hidden in a room at Tyuan’s Shuxin Hotel,” Shang replied.

“What happened next?” the Director asked.

“Upon receiving the tip, Officer Yang from our Anti-Drug Unit immediately coordinated with the local precinct to raid the hotel and conduct an arrest and investigation,” Shang said.

“And the results?”

“Officer Yang informed me that they successfully captured the suspect hiding the drugs and seized over five kilograms of highly pure drugs, at 95% purity,” Shang explained.

“Director Shang, that purity matches exactly the drugs found at the KTV in our city. The suspect must have escaped from our city,” Zhang said, looking at Shang.

“Where is the suspect now?” the Director asked.

“He is currently in the interrogation room of our Anti-Drug Unit,” Shang responded.

“Then what are you waiting for? Interrogate him immediately. If he’s a lone criminal, just hand him over to us. It won’t have been a wasted trip to your city,” Zhang said.

At that moment, Director Shang stood up, looked at the Director, then at everyone present. Director Zhang smiled and said, “Old Shang, speak up. Do you know this drug dealer?”

“Director, esteemed leaders, this suspect, the one found hiding drugs in the Shuxin Hotel room, is none other than someone we know,” Shang said.

“Who is he, then?” someone asked.

“He is Zhang Heng, a criminal investigator sent by the capital’s Public Security Bureau years ago to assist our province in investigating a high-profile cold case: the disappearance of a woman’s child in Y City, named Liang Lahua,” Shang revealed.

“What?” The Director was stunned.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it either. Before this meeting, I actually spoke with Officer Zhang Heng in our Anti-Drug Unit’s interrogation room,” Shang added.

“Did you get any information from the interrogation?” the Director inquired.

“Director, after a brief conversation, Zhang Heng told me that while continuing the investigation of the Liang Lahua case, he unexpectedly uncovered current drug trafficking activities in our province. He said he intended to go undercover to infiltrate the drug ring and, when the time was right, cooperate with me to dismantle it. He also mentioned that this drug case was more serious than the Liang Lahua case.”

“That’s all he said,” Shang concluded.

“Director,” Zhang called out, looking toward the Director.

“Yes?” the Director replied.

“Since Director Shang has shared this, I’d like to offer my opinion. Our city’s case against Yang Xiaoqiang should begin with investigating this criminal investigator, Zhang Heng. Moreover, Director, you should promptly report this to the national authorities. We cannot rule out the possibility of a scenario like the Hong Kong film ‘Infernal Affairs.’ We must thoroughly investigate Zhang Heng. It’s possible he’s a drug lord connected to Yang Xiaoqiang, merely masquerading as a national criminal investigator. He may have come to our province under the guise of investigating a cold case but is actually trafficking drugs. And it just so happened he was caught,” Zhang said.

“Director, that concludes my report,” Zhang finished.

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“Director Shang, do you have anything to add?”

“Director, I agree with Director Zhang’s remarks. It’s wise to be cautious and not overlook the possibility of ‘Infernal Affairs’-style betrayal. Therefore, I fully support starting a thorough investigation of Zhang Heng,” Shang said.

“Good,” the Director said.

“Does anyone else have anything to add?”

“Director,” Ren Zhengxiang called out.

“Yes?”

“As captain of our city’s Anti-Drug Unit, I believe that if we want to investigate Zhang Heng thoroughly, we should start by scrutinizing his contacts.”

“Good.”

“Any other comments?”

No one spoke.

The Director noticed the silence and then addressed the delegation from D City’s Public Security Bureau.

“Thank you again for your report. When you return, maintain this proactive approach. As in medicine, early detection is key, but remain vigilant. Always be on guard against Yang Xiaoqiang’s possible return to your city, and continue engaging the public. Only then can we build a harmonious, stable, and drug-free city.”

“Yes, sir,” they replied.

“Director Shang,” the Director continued.

“Yes, Director.”

“Your city should follow D City’s example and jointly combat drug trafficking to build a harmonious society. Most importantly, begin a thorough investigation starting with Zhang Heng.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Alright, meeting adjourned.”

Everyone stood, some heading toward the door and opening it.

Only the Director and Director Shang remained.

After everyone left, the Director asked how Shang planned to proceed.

Shang said, “The first step is to organize a meeting and emulate D City’s approach by posting reward notices citywide. Then we will investigate Zhang Heng.”

The Director advised caution, “Don’t alert the suspect. Let’s bait the snake out quietly,” then turned and left.

Director Shang sat alone in the conference room, deep in thought. After a while, he left—not to the Anti-Drug Unit where Zhang Heng was held, but straight to his own Public Security Bureau.

It was already dark.

On the drive back, as he listened to the radio, a news report caught his attention: Based on an anonymous tip, the police in his city had uncovered a major drug hiding case at Shuxin Hotel, arresting a suspect and seizing over five kilograms of highly pure drugs. The suspect was identified as a criminal investigator sent from the capital, Beijing. The local bureau has launched an investigation, and follow-ups will be reported.

Hearing this, Shang felt it was as expected.

Arriving at the bureau, he immediately contacted senior leaders in Beijing and reported the matter.