Cambodia Intercepts 14.7 Tonnes of Illegal Drugs in 2024
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Phnom Penh, Jan 1 (NationPress) Cambodia has seen a remarkable rise in the number of individuals arrested for drug-related offenses and the total volume of narcotics confiscated over the past year, according to a recent report from the Anti-Drug Department released on Wednesday.
The authorities apprehended 26,033 drug-related suspects in 2024, marking a 30.5 percent increase from 19,940 in the previous year, as noted in the report, which highlighted that 954 of the suspects were foreign nationals from 20 different countries.
According to the report, a staggering 14.7 tonnes of illegal drugs were seized from these suspects between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
This is a significant increase compared to the 2.97 tonnes of narcotics confiscated throughout all of 2023.
The majority of the seized substances included ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
In September, two Thai nationals were sentenced to life imprisonment by a Cambodian court for trafficking a substantial quantity of illegal narcotics.
Saehoe Somchai, aged 33, and Saehoe Thanat, aged 30, were arrested in the capital Phnom Penh on August 21, 2023, while in possession of 118 kg of methamphetamine and ketamine.
The court's ruling indicated that both men were charged with possession, transportation, and trafficking of illicit drugs, leading to a life sentence for each. Additionally, they were fined 80 million riel (approximately 20,000 US dollars).
Cambodia has intensified its efforts to combat illegal drug trafficking since August 2023, coinciding with the commencement of Prime Minister Hun Manet's term in office.
In a message commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in June, Hun Manet emphasized that tackling drug-related issues is a top government priority.
He instructed provincial and local authorities to eradicate drug distribution and usage in nightclubs and other entertainment venues throughout the nation.
It is important to note that Cambodia does not impose the death penalty for drug traffickers. Under current laws, anyone convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illegal drugs can face a life sentence.
