PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian government instructed all provincial and municipal authorities to strengthen measures against drug offenses in karaoke clubs, guesthouses, condominiums, and hotels, while also investigating manufacturing plants for the export, import, storage and use of chemicals to make illegal substances. The government hopes these combined efforts will reduce and disrupt the scope of the current drug trade.

The Royal Government released a statement in accordance with the International Day Against Drug Abuse on June 26, which is celebrated this year under the theme "People first: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention.”

The Cambodian government considers drug abuse to be a complex social problem that affects the well-being of millions of individuals which in turn affects the safety, public order and social development of the nation. The statement emphasized that in addition to illegal drug trafficking and gang violence, drugs drive citizens to commit crimes such as domestic violence and theft.

In 2022, authorities seized nearly 15 tons of drugs, three times more than the previous year. They also confiscated over 504 tons of chemicals used to produce illegal drugs, an increase of nearly 500% from 2021. Authorities detained 15,002 suspects, some of whom were taken to court. The contraband was incinerated to commemorate International Day Against Drug Abuse in Phnom Penh and some target provinces.