PHNOM PENH (Xinhua): Cambodia reported a rise in drug-related arrests but a drop in overall narcotics seizures during the first 10 months of 2026, according to figures released by Anti-Drug Department (ADP) on Sunday.
The Southeast Asian nation detained 25,360 drug suspects during the January-October period, a 16.3 per cent increase compared to 21,800 during the same period last year. Foreign nationals made up 1,248 of the detainees, representing 25 different nationalities.
Of the total suspects, 48.3 per cent were classified as drug traffickers, manufacturers, possessors, or transporters, while 51.7 per cent were recorded as drug users.
"Authorities confiscated 4.26 tonnes of illicit drugs and 537 kilograms of dry cannabis between Jan 1 and Oct 31, 2026," the report said, adding that this marked a decrease from the 5.48 tonnes of narcotics and 516 kilograms of dry marijuana seized during the same period in 2025.
Other seized evidence included 73 pistols and 27 homemade rifles, the report said, adding that the confiscated narcotics largely consisted of ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, and cathinone.
Cambodia does not impose the death penalty for drug offences. Under national law, individuals convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs can face life imprisonment. -- Xinhua
