PHNOM PENH: Cambodia has recorded a sharp increase in both the number of drug-related suspects arrested and the amount of narcotics seized last year, according to an Anti-Drug Department's report released on Wednesday (Jan 1).
The authorities had detained 26,033 drug-related suspects in 2024, up 30.5 per cent from 19,940 in the year before, the report said, adding that 954 suspects were foreigners of 20 nationalities.
"A total of 14.7 tonnes of illicit drugs had been confiscated from those suspects' possession from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2024," the report said.
According to the report, only 2.97 tonnes of narcotics had been seized in the entirety 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 August 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 imprisoned for life. - Xinhua
