A 10-year-old boy in China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region reported his father to the police for illegally storing poppy husks after being scolded for not completing his homework, according to the South China Morning Post.
The incident took place on January 9 in Yongning County. Upset after being reprimanded, the boy borrowed a phone from a local shop owner and called the police.
He informed them that his father was storing poppy husks at their home. Officers from the Chengguan Police Station responded by questioning the boy, who shared the details he knew.
The boy’s father admitted to having the poppy husks, explaining they were for medicinal use. However, he was surprised to learn that his actions were illegal and that his son had taken such a drastic step in reporting him.
Legal consequences
The case was later referred to the anti-narcotics unit for further investigation. According to China’s Public Security Administration Punishment Law, possessing a small amount of poppy husks can lead to a detention period of 10 to 15 days, along with a fine of up to 3,000 yuan (US$400).
In less severe cases, penalties can be reduced to a maximum of five days of detention or a fine of 500 yuan.
Social media reacts
The incident, initially reported by Yinchuan News and Media Centre, sparked humorous reactions online. Netizens debated whether the boy’s actions were a form of justice or just petty revenge.
One user joked, “Teachers, better make sure you do not have any skeletons hidden in your wardrobe!” while another quipped, “The police should reward him with extra homework in all subjects!”