Phnom Penh, June 26, 2024 – Amid ongoing challenges, Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for heightened public awareness and innovative approaches to combat the illicit drug trade. In an open letter commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed 'The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,' Hun Manet underscored the urgency of the situation.

The Prime Minister referred to a report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which noted that despite the COVID-19 pandemic providing new opportunities for drug traffickers, the trend in cultivation, production, trafficking, and sale of illicit drugs has not diminished.

Recognizing the efforts of government ministries, institutions, and stakeholders, Hun Manet encouraged further public education on the dangers of drug use, targeting students, youth, parents, and workers across both public and private sectors.

Additionally, Hun Manet urged all government entities to ensure their environments are free of drug use and to enhance their collaborative efforts to tackle this societal issue effectively.

He also advocated for the rigorous implementation of established safety policies at the village, commune, and Sangkat levels and promoted the expanded use of the 'No Drug' online application to facilitate community involvement in drug prevention initiatives.