Cambodian Interior Minister Expresses Concern Over Proliferation of Drug Crimes Linked to Transnational Offenses

Cambodia's Interior Minister, Sar Sokha, has voiced serious concerns regarding the escalating spread of drug-related crimes. He noted that these offenses are becoming increasingly complex, intertwining with other criminal activities, particularly transnational criminal networks. Minister Sar Sokha stated that the current landscape of drug offenses has significantly changed from the past, no longer being isolated incidents but rather intricately linked with transnational organized crime, money laundering, human trafficking, and the use of digital technology within sophisticated criminal syndicates. He acknowledged that criminals constantly alter their methods and tactics to evade legal repercussions. The Deputy Prime Minister also recognized that nearly every family is impacted by or has a member involved in drug-related issues. Consequently, he appealed for collective participation from all stakeholders, starting with individual families, to monitor, educate, and guide their children to stay away from drugs. Speaking at the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and Drug Burning ceremony held in Kandal Province on June 21, 2026, he urged youth, public officials, and all citizens to actively protect their family members from involvement with illicit substances. As the Vice Chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, Sar Sokha highlighted the continuous and active operations by Cambodian authorities to prevent and suppress drug problems. He earnestly called upon relevant authorities, ministries, institutions, and armed forces to uphold a high sense of responsibility and collectively implement all measures and work directives for the most effective and fruitful outcomes. Notably, approximately over 5 tons of illicit drugs and chemical substances were incinerated during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking event. This included over 4 tons of narcotics and more than 1 ton of chemical precursors. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local