Cambodian law enforcement recorded a notable uptick in anti-drug activity between January and July 2026. According to a report published Saturday by the Anti-Drug Department (ADP), authorities apprehended 16,498 individuals suspected of drug-related offenses, representing a 10% increase compared to the 14,977 arrests made during the same period in 2025.
The demographic breakdown of those detained includes 889 foreign nationals representing 21 different countries, with 108 women among the total number of suspects. In addition to the arrests, officials reported a substantial rise in the volume of confiscated narcotics. Authorities seized 2.51 tonnes of illicit drugs and 105 kilograms of dry cannabis, surpassing the 1.91 tonnes of narcotics seized during the first seven months of the previous year.
The substances recovered by police primarily consisted of crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, ketamine, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, and cathinone. Beyond the drugs themselves, the operations led to the seizure of various assets and equipment, including 119 cars, 1,580 motorcycles, 7,220 mobile phones, 665 scales, and a collection of firearms comprising 54 pistols and 18 rifles.
While Cambodia does not utilize the death penalty for drug-related crimes, the nation maintains strict sentencing guidelines. Under current law, those found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit substances can be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Source: Khmer Times
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