The country reported a rise in drug-related arrests but a drop in overall narcotics seizures during the first 10 months of 2026, according to an Anti-Drug Department (ADP) report.
The South-East Asian nation detained 25,360 drug suspects during the January-October period, a 16.3% 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% were classified as drug traffickers, manufacturers, possessors or transporters, while 51.7% were recorded as drug users.
“Authorities confiscated 4.26 tonnes of illicit drugs and 537 kilogrammes 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 516kg of dry marijuana seized during the same timeframe 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 80g of illicit drugs can face life imprisonment. — Xinhua
