Almost 100 kilogrammes of narcotics and other illegal substances were burned by the National Anti-Drug Authority (NACD) and various provincial authorities last week, in a series of ceremonies held to mark the June 26 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

During a June 30 event in Siem Reap, provincial prosecutor Meas Chanpiseth explained that the substances destroyed were seized from 43 different court cases. They included more than 10 kilogrammes of narcotics and 18 large and 47 small packages of e-cigarettes, or vapes.

In addition, he announced that provincial authorities recently made their largest ever drug seizure, of almost 120kg. The drugs have not been destroyed as they are evidence in an ongoing case, the NACD explained.

In the first five months of the year, Siem Reap provincial authorities conducted 2,449 drug education campaigns, reaching 150,583 people. Additionally, the police investigated 238 cases and detained 1,393 people. The charges arising included 103 counts of trafficking, with 307 arrests. More than 100 charges of drug use were also laid, with over 1,000 addicts being sent to rehabilitation centres.

A letter from Prime Minister Hun Manet was also read aloud at the Siem Reap ceremony. He ordered all relevant institutions to continue implementing the principles of “cleaning house” and "clearing weeds from the lake”.

“In particular, we must maintain regular testing of officials at ministries, national institutions and sub-national administrations, and take strict measures related to drugs to promote confidence, efficiency, good governance and cleanliness,” the letter read.

The international day was also marked by several other provincial authorities. In Svay Rieng, more than 37kg of drugs were destroyed, while Banteay Meanchey incinerated 23kg, Battambang burned 22kg and in Tbong Khmum, an additional 5kg was destroyed.

The NACD NoDrug mobile app was also promoted during the events.

Lim Tong Huot, director of the NACD’s Legislation, Education and Rehabilitation Department, said that since the app was officially launched in late April, more than 20,000 members of the public have downloaded it to use.

He added that the people appear happy with the app and are promoting its use to their families and friends.

“When we receive reports of drug-related activities via the app, we analyze and manage each report very carefully. We have responded to all of the issues people have raised with us,” he explained.