Cambodia Renews Commitment to Drug Eradication, Emphasizing Citizen Participation at International Day Event

An event to celebrate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26 was held in Kampong Thom province on July 28, under the theme "Jointly Responding to Drug Issues in a New Context with Creativity." The ceremony, held at the Kampong Thom Provincial Hall, was presided over by H.E. General Meas Virith, Secretary-General of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, H.E. Im Saroeun, Member of the Provincial Council, and Mr. Un Putt, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Secretariat of the Provincial Commission for Drug Control. The event was attended by leaders, relevant authorities, all three forces, civil servants, civil society organizations, teachers, youth, and students. This program is organized with the aim of promoting the health, justice, and rights of those affected by drugs. It also encourages drug users to receive voluntary and free treatment through state treatment centers and health facilities to restore their health and reintegrate into the community. Mr. Un Putt stated that Kampong Thom province still maintains its status as a province free from drug production and the cultivation of narcotic plants. However, there are still clandestine activities of smuggling drugs from neighboring provinces, along with drug use and trafficking in some cities and districts, which affect public security, order, and the welfare of the people, especially the spread to rural areas. He continued that fighting drugs is not the exclusive task of any single institution or unit, but rather the shared responsibility of all Cambodian citizens. Disseminating education and increasing awareness about the impacts and devastation of drugs is a crucial factor in effectively preventing and curbing this issue. H.E. General Meas Virith focused on strengthening the fight against drugs by urging all institutions, local authorities, and citizens to widely use the "NoDrug" App. He highlighted the app as an effective tool for providing information, reporting, and citizen participation in preventing and suppressing drug offenses. He also underscored the importance of implementing the "Drug-Free Village/Commune/District" campaign, urging authorities at all levels to continue strengthening cooperation with relevant institutions, communities, citizens, and youth. Furthermore, he called for the mobilization of participation from all sectors, including education, religion, culture, sports, arts, government institutions, the private sector, and national and international organizations, to jointly prevent, curb, and suppress drug offenses effectively.