Cambodia Calls for 'Creative Response' to Drug Fight in Banteay Meanchey

The National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) of Cambodia, in collaboration with the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration, celebrated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on July 28, 2026, with a grand event at the provincial hall. The theme for the year, 'Creative and Innovative Responses to Drug Problems in the New Context,' underscored the commitment to strengthening initiative and comprehensive efforts in combating drugs. The ceremony was presided over by Lieutenant General Nhek Yuthea, Under Secretary of State of the NACD, representing His Excellency, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the NACD, Dr. Sar Kheng. Also in attendance were Mr. Plaek Varey, Chairman of the Provincial Council, Mr. Ly Sovannarith, Acting Governor of Banteay Meanchey, along with government officials, armed forces, representatives from relevant organizations and institutions, educators, students, and a large number of youth. Lieutenant General Nhek Yuthea conveyed the high regards and directives from Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Sar Kheng, emphasizing that combating drugs in the current era requires a shift towards 'creative and modern' approaches. He stated that this year's theme is not merely a slogan but an action order, urging everyone to better understand the severe impacts and destructive dangers of drugs on health, families, and social security. He stressed the need to collaborate on developing new mechanisms for prevention, education, and suppression that can keep pace with the evolution of digital drug offenses and technology. Furthermore, he called upon all relevant parties, including local authorities, specialized forces, the private sector, and every citizen, to actively participate and support all forms of drug control activities, both directly and indirectly, in order to achieve 'drug-free villages, communes, and districts.' Mr. Ly Sovannarith, Acting Governor of Banteay Meanchey, warmly welcomed the participants and highlighted the provincial administration's efforts in preventing and suppressing drug-related crimes. He pointed out that Banteay Meanchey, being a border province, requires high vigilance and close cooperation among the armed forces, local authorities, and the public. He pledged that the provincial administration would continue to promote education, prevention, suppression, and rehabilitation for drug addicts, with a focus on the active participation of the youth, who are the nation's future. The entire assembly expressed full support for the Cambodian government's policy to eradicate the dangers of drugs and appealed to students and youth to adhere to the slogan '3 Dos and 1 Report' (Do not get involved, Do not try, Do not spread, and Report to the authorities) to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the perilous traps of narcotics. Source: AKP Khmer