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Cambodia Condemns Thai Military Attack on Preah Vihear Temple | Cambodia Confirms Troops Still Holding Mount Trop as Thailand Cannot Raise Flag on Sovereign Territory | Cambodia and Thailand Clashes Enter Third Day as Casualties Rise to 33 | UN Security Council Urges Restraint as Thailand-Cambodia Clashes Intensify | Cambodia Condemns Thai Aggression at UN, Calls for Ceasefire and International Intervention | Techo Hun Sen Advises Military Strategy Amidst Border Clashes with Thailand | 45 Staff Rescued After Being Trapped at Preah Vihear Temple Amidst Clashes | BREAKING: Cambodia Denies Firing Projectiles into Laos, Accuses Thailand of Disinformation | Cambodia's Tourism Ministry Seeks Aid for Troops, Refugees; Reaffirms Commitment to Peace | BREAKING: Laos Denies Border Clash with Cambodia; Cambodia Rejects Thai Accusations of Shelling Laos | BREAKING NEWS: Andrew MacGregor Marshall Claims Queen Mother Sirikit Has Died, Alleging Concealment by Thai Authorities | TOP NEWS: Trump Claims Diplomatic Role in Cambodia-Thailand Border Conflict, Calls for Ceasefire | TOP NEWS: Cambodian Prime Minister Confirms President Donald Trump Ceasefire Agreement with Thailand | Thai Military of Escalating Attacks, Despite Cambodia Ceasefire Efforts | BREAKING NEWS: Cambodia and Thailand Agree to Malaysian Mediation Amid Escalating Border Clashes |

Minister of Information Encourages Artists to Participate in Disseminating the Impact of Drugs to the Public

Phnom Penh, August 8, 2024 — In a strong call to action, Mr. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information and Chairman of the Commission on Drug Education, emphasized the crucial role of artists in using their private forums and media platforms to educate the public about the devastating effects of drug abuse. He stressed the importance of engaging in efforts to help citizens avoid the perils of drugs, which have the potential to destroy families and undermine society.

Speaking at the Signing Ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) and Hang Meas Group on Cooperation, Strengthening, and Improving the Effectiveness of Dissemination and Education on the Impact and Dangers of Drugs, held on the afternoon of August 8, 2024, at Hang Meas Radio and Television Station in Chbar Ampov District, Phnom Penh, the Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Information's commitment. He assured that the Ministry would continue to encourage media outlets, including television, radio, and websites, to broadcast vital information about the dangers of drug abuse.

The MoU marks a significant step in the fight against drug abuse, highlighting the collaboration between the NACD and one of Cambodia's leading media organizations, Hang Meas Group. Neak Oknha Ung Chhay Nguon, General Director of Hang Meas Group, expressed his full support for the Royal Government's measures to combat the drug crisis. He underscored that Hang Meas has long been a platform for disseminating educational messages on drug prevention through its news and arts programs.

During the ceremony, Minister Neth Pheaktra provided alarming statistics from the ongoing nationwide crackdown on drug-related activities. Between January 1, 2024, and August 7, 2024, a total of 6,455 cases were reported, resulting in the arrest of 16,042 individuals, including 1,277 women. Authorities seized over five tons of various drugs, 227 kilograms of chemical compounds, 62 kilograms of dried marijuana, and more than 6,000 fresh marijuana plants.

Minister Neth Pheaktra also discussed the government's comprehensive strategy to combat drug abuse, including the "clean wolves in the lake" initiative, which involves drug testing among civil servants and members of the security forces. Of the 100,931 tests conducted, 98 returned positive results, leading to the expulsion of 89 individuals, while eight others are currently complying with legal proceedings.

The Minister further highlighted the complex routes through which drugs enter Cambodia, with 56 percent arriving by land, 8 percent by water, 10 percent by air, and about 20 percent through postal services, with an additional 10 percent attributed to domestic processing. It is estimated that between 20,000 to 30,000 young people in Cambodia have been affected by drugs, often due to curiosity, deception, or coercion.

The cooperation between the NACD and Hang Meas Group symbolizes the Royal Government's dedication to utilizing media as a powerful tool in the battle against drug abuse. As part of this partnership, artists and media personalities are being called upon to take an active role in educating the public, using their influence to promote drug prevention and awareness throughout Cambodia.



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