Cambodia: Major Drug Lab Bust in Phnom Penh, 20kg of Synthetic Drugs Seized, 19 Arrested

In the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a drug manufacturing and processing ring was busted, leading to the arrest of 19 individuals and the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of synthetic drugs. The Phnom Penh Municipal Court Prosecutor's Office announced on August 4th its decision to prosecute the 19 suspects. Chhay Hong, Deputy Prosecutor and spokesperson for the prosecution office, stated that the case was opened for investigation into the suspects for illegal drug trafficking, illegal drug trading, and money laundering, as stipulated by Article 40 of the Law on Drug Control and Article 38 of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism. According to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police's Anti-Drug Office, from July 20th to 27th, police officers launched investigations into drug-related offenses, leading to the arrest of a total of 19 suspects, including one British national. Police officials further reported that during the operation, specialized officers from the Anti-Drug Office cracked down on drug offenses in Phnom Penh across five cases, arresting 19 suspects (3 females), including one British national. They confiscated approximately 7 kilograms of methamphetamine and ketamine, and over 10 kilograms of dried cannabis, totaling around 20 kilograms. Several modified knives and swords were also seized. The criminal group was reportedly processing cannabis to create fruit-flavored candies, jellies, and chocolates. Concurrently, police also raided locations used for drug dealing, gathering, and consumption, as well as a JOKER game gambling den frequented by many hooligans and young troublemakers. Source: CEN Cambodia