BEIJING - China's food and drug safety watchdog said on Tuesday it has revoked licenses of 68 drug businesses in a crackdown on illegal drug-related production and operations since last July.

The China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) said nearly 500 cases involving illegal or criminal practices were handed over to police authorities during the crackdown.

The administration has ordered some 1,000 drug producers and dealers to suspend business and has withdrawn over 250 GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GSP (Good Supply Practices) certificates.

In July last year, the CFDA launched a half-year crackdown on illegal drug-related production and operations, especially targeted at violations in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) market and online drug sales.

The administration also aimed to establish more regulations and mechanisms during the campaign to intensify management and better control drug safety risks.