Cambodia to Implement 'Secret' Surveillance System for Drug Crackdown

Interior Minister Sar Sokha has directed sub-national authorities to establish a “secret” monitoring system on drug-related criminals, using the same approach employed to monitor activists. At the opening of a conference reviewing the achievements of the Fifth-Mandate Commune and Sangkat Councils on Monday, Sokha stated that drug-related problems persist in many communes despite the seizure of tons of drugs in various operations. Surveys of over 400 communes indicated high rates of drug-related issues, gang violence, livestock theft, and gambling at the local level. “The drug problem is not only existent in Cambodia, but also the region. We have to look at it as a whole. As I have mentioned before, when Phnom Penh and provincial police commissariats monitor activists, they even know when that person goes to the bathroom. So why don’t we use the same intelligence system and surveillance methods on drug-related cases,” he said. Results of the Safe Village-Commune Policy implementation competition from 2022 to 2025 showed 1,243 communes ranked first, 364 second, and 41 third. Sokha advised third-ranked commune administrations to enhance their implementation of the Safe Village-Commune Policy for better future results. Last month, a second deputy sangkat chief from the Candlelight Party quota in Oddar Meanchey province was arrested and charged with “incitement to discrimination” and “insult” in connection with a telephone conversation. Nam Sot, Rong Roeung Commune Chief in Stoung district, Kampong Thom province, reported that his commune had previously arrested many drug users, but they continued their habit even after receiving education and guidance. He also expressed concern over the increasing number of teenagers under 15 gathering to smoke cigarettes around schools. “As preventive measures, the commune council and police hold meetings and conduct awareness campaigns at primary and secondary schools, as well as in villages. We also conduct direct outreach with parents through schools and students,” he added. Meanwhile, Cheang Seavy, Kampong Popil Commune Chief of Peam Ro district, Prey Veng province, said authorities would hold a meeting to introduce measures to monitor drug-related offenses following the ministry’s guidance. Existing preventive and monitoring measures are already in place, with regular cooperation from the police. These include meetings with the commune council and law enforcement officials to develop further plans. Adhoc president Ny Sokha urged the government to target major drug kingpins and their protectors to eliminate the drug problem. Regarding the arrest of young drug users in villages and communes, he stated they are merely victims of drug abuse. “What needs greater attention is the root cause. If we only crack down on people who use drugs at the local level, I think the problem will not disappear unless we address the root cause involving major corrupt figures and drug-trafficking networks. That needs to be cracked down,” he said. On July 21, 2026, authorities destroyed over five tons of drugs seized from various operations during “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking” in Ponhea Lueu district, Kandal province. A month later, on August 25, over four tons of drugs were destroyed in Koh Kong province. In 2025, Cambodian authorities cracked down on a total of 10,743 drug-related cases, arresting nearly 28,000 suspects. They also seized approximately 48,000 kilograms of drugs and drug substances and shut down 12 business premises.