LOLC (Cambodia) Plc, one of the leading microfinance institutions in Cambodia, has once again played a proud role in the Kingdom’s anti-drug efforts, donating 1,200 stickers with QR code links to the NoDrug App to the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) to distribute during the upcoming Khmer New Year Festival 2025.

The donation ceremony, held at LOLC’s headquarters in Phnom Penh, was graced by the distinguished presence of Lieutenant General Lim Tong Huot, Director of Education and Public Relations at the NACD, and Mr. Sok Voeun, CEO of LOLC Cambodia.

During the ceremony, Meas Vyrith, NACD Secretary-General, expressed his gratitude to LOLC Cambodia for their contributions to raising awareness about drug-related issues in the past.

The company has taken part in several public education campaigns, including at last month’s 9th River Festival in Takeo province.

LOLC was also honoured with a Certificate of Appreciation from the NACD for its contributions to the Kingdom’s anti-drug campaigns. The certificate was presented in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, His Excellency Sar Sokha.

The award was presented during a Royal Government of Cambodia meeting to mark the launch of the Kingdom’s 10th Anti-Drug Campaign. Also in attendance was His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and NACD President Neth Savoeun.

According to the NACD, almost 15 tonnes of narcotics were seized by Cambodian authorities in 2024, a fourfold increase over 2023.

NACD Secretary-General Vyrith shared the figures during the March 12 annual meeting.

Despite the promising results of last year, he warned that Cambodia continues to face the threat of global drug trafficking, especially from the “golden triangle” region. 

He noted that in 2024, law enforcement handled 10,630 drug-related cases, an increase of 2,567, or 31.84 per cent, over the previous year.

LOLC has been a consistent supporter of the NACD’s anti-drug campaigns. 

During the March 21-23 9th River Festival in Takeo, for example, it distributed leaflets, stickers and drug awareness materials, and shared poster exhibitions, warning banners, and booklets which outlined the dangers of drug use. It regularly shares these educational resources throughout the communities where it works.

During the festival, it also handed out souvenirs such as hats, calendars, umbrellas, glasses, hand fans and more. They were dispensed to households, families, friends and loved ones to help prevent them from falling into the relentless cycle of drug abuse.

As part of its latest contribution, the 1,200 stickers will be prominently displayed on city buses in the Phnom Penh Municipality to encourage citizens to scan the QR code and download the App NoDrug. 

The app will help them gain knowledge and provide them with an effective means of providing anonymous reports of drug-related incidents to the authorities.

Additionally, LOLC Microfinance announced plans for close collaborations with the Siem Reap Provincial Anti-Drug Committee, the Ministry of Tourism, the Union of Cambodian Youth Federations and the private sector to promote the app during the upcoming Khmer New Year Festival at Siem Reap’s iconic Angkor Archaeological Park and Siem Reap town itself, both hugely popular tourist destinations over the holidays.

Mr. Sok Voeun, CEO of LOLC Cambodia, expressed his pride in the institutions’ continued support for the vital work of the NACD.

He noted that the private sector's involvement in supporting society, particularly in the fight against drugs, is crucial.

The CEO explained that by providing promotional materials that address drug-related issues at both national and local levels, the company is playing its part in supporting the fight against drugs.

The aim is to raise public awareness, particularly among youth, to prevent their involvement in drug-related problems.

He highlighted that the drug problem is a shared issue for everyone and the root cause of insecurity in many communities, hindering development. He called for all sectors to continue to collaborate and support one another in addressing this challenge.