BEIJING - Chinese authorities have shut down several websites that were found to be trafficking guns and explosives, as well as websites that contained information on how to manufacture the items, the Ministry of Public Security said on Thursday.

The ministry investigated 15 websites, including domestic search engine giant Baidu, resulting in the shutdown of five websites. The ministry also ordered the deletion of 23,000 online posts containing illegal information.

The ministry began a three-month crackdown on online weapon trafficking in August, vowing to stop domestic websites from trafficking illegal items or providing information on how to manufacture them.

Website administrators have been told to review their sites and delete illegal posts, as well as report illegal content to the police.

Chinese law prohibits civilians from possessing guns, ammunition, explosives and certain types of knives. Minor violations can lead to jail sentences of up to three years, while major violations can lead to jail sentences of up to seven years.