Cambodia destroys a series of drug trafficking rings, arrests 1,300 people

Phnom Penh [Cambodia], February 3: Cambodian authorities arrested more than 1,300 suspects in 539 drug cases in January, while in Thailand, authorities made a record drug seizure.
The Cambodian Drug Enforcement Agency (ADP) said on February 1 that from January 1 to January 31, the country had arrested 1,311 suspects in 539 drug- related cases, seizing more than 423 kg of illegal drugs. The report said that 56% of the suspects were drug dealers, possessors and transporters, while 44% were drug users, Khmer Times reported.
Most of the drugs seized were ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, ecstasy, heroin and cocaine. Cambodia does not have the death penalty for drug traffickers. Under the country's law, people convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illegal drugs can be sentenced to life in prison.
On January 31, ADP also announced the arrest of a foreigner for illegal drug possession and transportation, seizing more than 47 kg of drugs. According to Xinhua, the suspect is a 27-year-old man who was caught red-handed at an apartment in the capital Phnom Penh on January 29. Cambodian authorities also seized a pistol , 20 bullets and some drug paraphernalia from the suspect.
In 2024, Cambodia arrested more than 27,000 drug-related suspects, including 1,045 foreigners in 16 countries, seizing nearly 15 tons of illegal drugs.
Another Southeast Asian country, Thailand, also reported a record drug seizure in January. According to AFP, Thai authorities said on January 20 that they had discovered and seized more than 1.5 tons of crystal methamphetamine at a warehouse in the Thai city of Bangkok. Four people were arrested at the scene.
On January 30, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced the launch of an anti-drug campaign to tackle drug trafficking in 51 border districts in 14 provinces, starting in February and expected to yield results within six months. "Drugs hinder people's potential. If we end this problem, the potential of Thai people will be restored," Bangkok Post quoted Ms. Paetongtarn as saying.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper