Cambodia Arrests Over 6,000 in Drug Crackdown, Seizes 1.4 Tons of Narcotics in Q1
Phnom Penh : Cambodian authorities arrested more than 6,000 individuals in connection with drug-related offenses during the first quarter of 2025, marking a 10 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to a report released by the country’s Anti-Drug Department (ADP) on Tuesday.
Between January and March, a total of 6,048 suspects were detained, including 192 foreigners from eight different countries. However, despite the spike in arrests, the volume of drugs seized dropped significantly — from 3.65 tons in Q1 of 2024 to 1.4 tons this year, representing a 61 percent decrease.
The report highlighted that the confiscated substances included a range of illicit drugs such as ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, and cathinone.
Cambodia, which has adopted tough anti-narcotics measures in recent years, does not impose the death penalty for drug trafficking. However, individuals convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illegal substances face life imprisonment under national law.
Authorities have not provided specific reasons for the sharp decline in the quantity of drugs seized, though experts often cite shifting smuggling routes and improved border enforcement as contributing factors.
The ADP has pledged to maintain its vigilance and enhance cross-border cooperation in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in the region.
-Agency
