31-3-2024 (PHNOM PENH) Cambodia has experienced a notable surge in both the number of individuals apprehended and the quantity of narcotics confiscated in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, as indicated by a report released on Sunday by the Anti-Drug Police Department (ADP).
According to the report, authorities arrested 5,489 suspects involved in drug-related activities during the January-March period this year, marking a 22 percent increase compared to the same period last year when 4,485 arrests were made. Notably, over 100 of the suspects were foreigners representing nine different nationalities.
The report further revealed that a total of 3.65 tons of illicit drugs were seized from these suspects during Q1 2024. In contrast, only approximately 241 kilograms of illicit drugs were confiscated during Q1 2023.
The seized narcotics predominantly included substances such as ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, and cathinone, among others.
Cambodia has intensified its efforts to combat the illicit drug trade in recent months. While the country does not impose the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses, its laws stipulate that individuals found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could face life imprisonment.
The increased number of arrests and seizures highlights the government’s commitment to tackling the drug problem and the growing determination to curb drug-related activities within the country’s borders.
