Cambodia Sees Dramatic Increase in Drug-Related Arrests and Seizures in Early 2024
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Phnom Penh, Dec 2 (NationPress) Cambodia has witnessed a marked increase in both the arrests of individuals and the quantities of narcotics intercepted in the first eleven months of 2024, as per a report from the Anti-Drug Department released on Monday.
The authorities apprehended 23,601 individuals linked to drug offenses from January to November this year, representing a 28.6 percent increase from the 18,350 recorded during the same timeframe last year. The report indicated that 816 of those apprehended were foreigners.
According to the report, 13.3 tonnes of illegal drugs were seized from these suspects between January 1 and November 30, 2024.
In comparison, only 2.85 tonnes of narcotics were confiscated in the first eleven months of 2023.
The majority of the seized substances included ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine.
Cambodia has intensified its initiatives against illegal drugs since August 2023, following the appointment of Prime Minister Hun Manet.
He has instructed provincial and local authorities to eradicate drug distribution and use in nightclubs and other entertainment venues throughout the Southeast Asian nation.
It is noteworthy that Cambodia does not impose the death penalty for drug traffickers. According to the law, individuals convicted of trafficking over 80 grams of illicit drugs may face life imprisonment, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
