Cambodia reported a significant increase in drug-related arrests and narcotics seizures in 2024, according to a report released by the Anti-Drug Department on Wednesday.
Authorities detained 26,033 suspects in connection with drug-related crimes over the year, a 30.5% rise compared to 19,940 in 2023. Among those arrested, 954 were foreign nationals from 20 different countries, the report revealed.
A staggering 14.7 tonnes of illicit drugs were confiscated between January 1 and December 31, 2024, marking a dramatic surge compared to the 2.97 tonnes seized in 2023. The bulk of the confiscated substances included ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, heroin, ecstasy, and cocaine.
The report highlighted intensified efforts to tackle the country’s drug problems since August 2023, when Prime Minister Hun Manet assumed office. Under his directive, provincial and local authorities have taken decisive measures to curtail drug distribution and usage in nightclubs and other entertainment venues across Cambodia.
Despite the severity of drug crimes, Cambodia’s legal framework does not include the death penalty for drug traffickers. However, those convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illegal substances face life imprisonment.
