'Druggie' Chinese governor charged over 'corruption, opium fuelled lifestyle'
London, Dec 14 (ANI)
A senior Chinese official is facing trial for corruption after being accused of illegally amassing an international property empire and smoking opium to keep up with late-night barbecue parties.
Yang Hongwei, the former governor of Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture in South-West China, was in the dock after being accused of taking some 10.11 million Yuan in bribes.
Yang, dubbed the 'druggie governor' by Chinese media, allegedly used the money to purchase 17 properties in Yunnan province and six in Melbourne, Australia, the Telegraph reports.
According to the paper, Yang was toppled in April 2011 following allegations of corruption and living an "indecent life".
Yang, 49, was also accused of having a penchant for 'Kaku', a potent mix of herbs and opium.
After he was ejected from office, Go Kunming, a local blog, attributed his downfall to the 'voracious consumption of alcohol, drugs, women and bribes' and claimed he was known for his 'superlative drinking abilities'.
"He was so energetic that he could have meetings in [the] daytime and barbecues late at night for several days in a row," China's National Business Daily had quoted a source, as saying.
According to the paper, Chinese media reports had portrayed Yang as a man whose ego was almost as big as his bank balance.