Cambodia Destroys Nearly 800 Tons of Counterfeit Cigarettes in Joint Operation with China

On the morning of Thursday, the 6th day of the waxing moon of the month of Bhadrapada, in the year of the Rabbit, the 8th year of the Buddhist Era 2570, corresponding to September 17, 2026, His Excellency, Dr. Sokha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, presided over the incineration ceremony of counterfeit cigarettes and related materials seized by authorities in Takeo province. The event took place in Tropaing Chrey village, Tropaing Thm South commune, Tram Kak district, Takeo province. The counterfeit cigarettes, packaging, and related manufacturing materials to be destroyed amounted to approximately 800 tons. This destruction is the result of a cooperative effort between specialized officials from the National Police General Commissariat and the working group from the Ministry of Public Security of China, based on information exchange. The operation was coordinated by representatives of the prosecutor's office attached to the Takeo Provincial Court, with the participation of relevant authorities and representatives of the brand owner companies. The actual crackdown operations were conducted on June 12, 2026, at one factory and one warehouse located in Roka Khnor commune, Don Keo city, Takeo province. During the operation, authorities arrested one suspect, a 44-year-old Chinese national, who managed the location. This individual was also a target of an arrest warrant issued by the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau and was handed over to Chinese authorities by Cambodian law enforcement for further legal proceedings. Seized items included cigarette manufacturing machines (91 units), computers (6 units), unmarked related materials (1,127,213 kg), and counterfeit branded related materials (230,890 kg) from the factory site (comprising 7 buildings). From the warehouse, 31 types of counterfeit branded cigarettes totaling 1,816,964 cartons, equivalent to 370,773 kg, were seized. These were predominantly ESSE, JET, MEVIUS, Manchester, and Chinese counterfeit brands. Counterfeit branded packaging weighing 122,527 kg was also discovered. Following the operation, the Takeo Provincial Police Commissionerate compiled case files and submitted them to the court for further legal action. They also formally requested the temporary disposal of the seized items, including counterfeit cigarette products, packaging, and related materials, in accordance with existing laws and procedures. These counterfeit cigarette manufacturing sites had converted legitimate cigarette production into counterfeit operations and served as warehouses for products and related materials, posing significant risks and dangers, including fire hazards, environmental damage, and health concerns during their temporary storage until a final court decision. Copyright by: Soth Ly