GUANGZHOU, July 9 -- Police in south China's Guangdong Province detained more than 14,000 people in a crackdown on mafia-style gangs in the first half of this year, up 41 percent from last year.

In the first six months, the province handled 3,897 organized crime cases, up 37 percent from last year, said Lin Weixiong, a police officer with the Guangdong Public Security Department on Thursday.

More than 8,500 suspects were prosecuted and another 8,400 were sentenced in the province during the period, said Lin.

In one case, police in Dongguan City busted a 50-member gang and seized six guns. In another, police in Huizhou arrested 22 suspects and confiscated seven guns and 100 bullets. The groups allegedly operated gambling houses, committed blackmail and organized prostitution.

Police will continue to crack down on organized crime, especially in rural areas, according to the department.