Compiled from news reports

China's Ministry of Public Security says police have arrested 802 people on suspicion of child trafficking and rescued 181 children in a major operation spanning 15 provinces.

The suspects sold female children for 30,000-50,000 yuan (5.4-9 million won) per head, and male children for 70,000-80,000 yuan.

The ministry said in a statement posted on its official website Friday that the operation broke up two trafficking groups and that the ring leaders were arrested.

It says the national operation was set up earlier this year after local police spotted trafficking signs, including frequent appearances of out-of-town pregnant women in a clinic in north China's Hebei province.

Trafficking in children is a big problem in China, where its strict one-child policy has driven a thriving market in babies.

In fighting the crime, Chinese courts usually mete out harsh punishments _ including the death sentence _ to convicted child traffickers.