Cambodia Sentences 3 Chinese and Myanmar Nationals for Drug Manufacturing and Trafficking

The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court in Cambodia has announced a significant verdict, sentencing three individuals—one Chinese national to life imprisonment and two others, a Chinese and a Myanmar national, to 20 years each—for their roles in drug-related offenses. The ruling, dated July 31, 2026, addresses a criminal case (No. 276/21) concerning the illegal manufacturing, possession, trafficking, and use of narcotics. The primary defendant, a Chinese national, was found guilty of manufacturing, possessing, trafficking, and illegally using narcotic substances. The court handed down a life sentence and a fine of 40,000,000 Riel. The illegal activities reportedly took place in various locations within Sihanoukville city, specifically in Village 3, Sangkat No. 1, and Village 1, Sangkat No. 3, between early November and November 30, 2025. These charges fall under Articles 39 (paragraph 5), 47 (paragraph 4), 40 (paragraph 7), 48 (paragraph 6), 45, and 53 of the Law on Drug Control. In addition to the life sentence, the court also ruled to imprison two other defendants, identified as one Chinese national and one Myanmar national, for 20 years each. These individuals were found to have conspired in the illegal manufacturing, possession, and trafficking of the aforementioned narcotic substances. They were also each fined 40,000,000 Riel. Furthermore, the court has prohibited all three defendants from entering and residing within the territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia permanently, following the completion of their respective prison sentences. The seized narcotic substances will be confiscated and destroyed. This case underscores the ongoing challenges Cambodia faces in combating transnational drug crime, particularly in key development areas like Sihanoukville, which has seen substantial foreign investment and presence. The sentences reflect the Cambodian judiciary's commitment to enforcing stringent drug laws.