China's early attempts at eradication create a demand for illicit morphine and opium.

As Szechwan's opium production declines, Shanghai's licensed syndicates, notably the Green Gang, begin importing morphine and heroin from Europe.

Moreover, this localized suppression in Szechwan stimulates both the spread of cultivation to other provinces and smuggling of illicit opiates into China.

In 1911, there are reportedly 87 licensed opium dens in Shanghai.