PHNOM PENH, Dec 3 (NNN-AKP) – Cambodia reported a significant rise in both the number of people arrested and the amount of narcotics seized, in the first 11 months of of this year, according to an Anti-Drug Department report, yesterday.
The authorities detained 23,601 drug-related suspects, during the Jan-Nov period this year, up 28.6 percent from 18,350, over the same period last year, the report said, adding that, 816 suspects were foreigners.
“A total of 13.3 tonnes of illicit drugs had been confiscated from those suspects’ possession, from Jan 1 to Nov 30, 2024,” the report said.
According to the report, only 2.85 tonnes of narcotics had been seized during the first 11 months of 2023.
Most of the confiscated drugs were ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine.
Cambodia has ramped up efforts in combating illicit drugs, since Aug, 2023, when Prime Minister Hun Manet took office.
He has ordered provincial and local authorities to stamp out drug distribution and usage, at nightclubs and other entertainment facilities across the country.
The kingdom has no death sentence for drug traffickers. Under its law, someone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could be jailed for life.– NNN-AKP
