KANDA: Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tonnes of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at US$500 million on Tuesday (July 21), Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said.
Speaking at a drug-burning ceremony in southern Kandal province's Ponhea Leu district, Sokha said the event sent a clear message of zero tolerance to traffickers. "This clearly reflects the government's vision to build a drug-free Cambodia," he said.
Sokha also praised law enforcement for relentlessly tackling drug crime to maintain national peace, security, and public order.
The substances were confiscated during 2025 operations in Phnom Penh capital city and Kampong Chhnang province.
Data from the Anti-Drug Police Department revealed that authorities arrested 12,581 drug suspects, including 225 foreigners, and seized 2.38 tons of narcotics in the first half of 2026 alone.
The country has no death penalty for drug trafficking. However, trafficking over 80 grams of illicit drugs can result in imprisonment for life. - Xinhua
