Cambodia Seizes Over 26 Tons of Drugs, Arrests Nearly 90,000 in 3.5 Years

In Cambodia, anti-drug operations conducted over the past three and a half years have led to the crackdown on over 34,000 drug-related crimes and the arrest of nearly 90,000 suspects. The total amount of seized narcotics has exceeded 26 tons. According to a report from the Ministry of Interior, from 2023 to the first half of 2026, specialized forces busted 34,149 drug cases and arrested 87,372 suspects. During these operations, authorities confiscated and seized a total of over 26 tons of all types of narcotics. The Ministry of Interior considers these results as a testament to the strenuous efforts of the national police force, from the ministerial level to the grassroots, in investigating, researching, and combating drug offenses. The report further stated that eradicating drug offenses is not an easy task, as law enforcement officers often face violent criminals, some of whom are armed, posing a constant risk to those enforcing the law. Simultaneously, the mobile application 'NoDrug' has been launched to encourage public participation in reporting and providing clues about drug-related crimes. As of the first half of 2026, 98,540 citizens have downloaded the 'NoDrug' application and have reported or provided clues in 8,698 cases to the authorities. This extensive anti-drug campaign is seen as part of the Cambodian government's ongoing efforts to combat drug proliferation within the country and ensure the safety of its citizens. However, the sheer number of arrests and the vast quantity of seized drugs also highlight the deep-rooted nature of the drug problem in Cambodia. Source: CEN Cambodia National