Six suspects were arrested and nearly 400 kilogrammes of drugs seized in an August 2024 raid in phnom penh. Anti-drug unit
Nearly 15 tonnes of narcotics were seized by Cambodian authorities in 2024, a fourfold increase over 2023.
Meas Vyrith, secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) shared the figures during the authority’s March 121 annual meeting.
Despite the promising results of last year, Vyrith warned that Cambodia continues to face the threat of global drug trafficking, especially from the “golden triangle” region.
The results of anti-drug operations show that drug-related crimes had increased compared to 2023.
In 2024, law enforcement handled 10,630 drug-related cases, an increase of 2,567, or 31.84 percent, over the previous year.
“27,071 suspects were arrested, marking a 35.53 per cent increase. The total quantity of seized drugs reached 14.909 tonnes, a rise of 11.92 tonnes, or 398.82 per cent more than 2023 seizures,” noted Vyrith.
Among the drugs confiscated were methamphetamine, ketamine, heroin and ecstasy, most of them originating from the golden triangle region.
Cocaine, meanwhile, came from South and Central America, while some ketamine and ecstasy was sourced from Europe.
The Anti-Drug Department cracked down on cross-border drug trafficking when they arrested two Chinese nationals and seized over 200 kilogrammes of drugs in July 2024. Anti-drug unit
Chemical precursors were also seized. A total of 354 kilogrammes were confiscated, a decrease of 1.115 tonnes, or 76 per cent, compared to 2023.
NACD president Neth Savoeun addressed the opening ceremony of the meeting.
He reiterated that the drug problem has become a global issue, not just for Cambodia, but for all nations.
“In line with global security challenges, criminal groups have exploited opportunities to increase their activities in the production, distribution, and trafficking of drugs, particularly in the Golden Triangle and other border regions,” he said.
He explained that the Cambodian government remains firmly committed to addressing drug problems as a top priority, through comprehensive policies, strategies and methods to tackle the challenges and safeguard Cambodia as a clean society, free from the barriers that drugs pose to national development.
He added that the first phase of the government’s strategy involves five key measures and village-level safety policies, particularly the 10th anti-drug campaign, launched during the meeting.
He described these measures as symbolising the Kingdom’s strong commitment to anti-drug policies.
As part of his long-term vision Prime Minister Hun Manet introduced the decisive policy, “Clean weeds from the pond”.
The strategy includes stern measures against officials and law enforcement officers involved in drug use, removing them from their positions to promote a cleaner, more efficient administration and law enforcement.
As he announced the 10th anti-drug campaign, Minister of Interior Sar Sokha warned officials involved in drug-related crimes to immediately stop and amend their behaviour.
He explained that former Prime Minister Hun Sen’s reform slogan: “Look in the mirror, take a bath, clean the body, get treatment and undergo surgery” will apply to all officials who perform poorly.
“The drug issue in Cambodia would not be as severe if not for the involvement of certain law enforcement officers, who have played a role in the current drug crisis,” he said.
He urged all relevant officials to swiftly distance themselves from these practices and recommended that law enforcement agencies focus their investigations on identifying individuals and networks associated with drug crimes.
