Phnom Penh Authorities Round Up 9 Homeless Individuals, Arrest Man Suspected of Drug Trafficking

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Authorities in Phnom Penh's Sen Sok district have conducted an operation to round up nine homeless individuals in Ou Baek K'am commune, transferring them to a social affairs center. During the same operation on the afternoon of August 5, 2024, a man suspected of involvement in drug trafficking was arrested. The operation was carried out by the Sen Sok District Unity Command in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation of Phnom Penh. The objective was to conduct administrative checks and provide shelter for homeless individuals residing in abandoned buildings and vacant lands within the commune, aiming to maintain public security and order, and to prevent drug use in the locality. Law enforcement forces inspected targeted locations where homeless individuals typically gather, reside, and use illicit substances. As a result, a total of 10 homeless individuals, including one woman, were apprehended. During the operation, authorities identified a man suspected of engaging in drug trafficking activities. He was handed over to the Ou Baek K'am Administrative Police Post for further questioning and legal proceedings. The other nine homeless individuals were sent to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation of Phnom Penh to undergo educational measures, rehabilitation, and care in accordance with the procedures of the relevant ministry. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Security