Banteay Meanchey Gendarmerie Sends 68 Suspects to Court for Drug and Illegal Gambling Cases

In Poipet City, Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, the military police have arrested a total of 68 individuals suspected of drug-related crimes and illegal gambling, sending them to the provincial court. This large-scale operation highlights the current state of law enforcement and security maintenance in the country's border region. The operation was carried out on August 31, 2026, by military police units responsible for Poipet City. The investigation targeted illegal activities such as drug trafficking, possession, procurement, and use, as well as the operation of illegal gambling dens. Authorities conducted simultaneous raids at two separate locations, detaining a total of 133 people, including 71 women. Following urine tests and interrogations, 68 individuals (48 women) were identified as suspects in drug-related offenses. Among them were 39 Cambodian nationals (32 women) and 29 foreign nationals (17 women) from countries including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China, and Indonesia. The remaining 65 individuals (23 women) who were not implicated in the offenses were educated and released to their homes after questioning and drug testing. Seized evidence included drugs, numerous mobile phones, and various items related to drug trafficking and use from the 68 suspects. The operation was conducted under the command and approval of the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Military Police Commander and the Provincial Court Prosecutor. Poipet City, located on the border with Thailand, has long been identified as a hotspot for cross-border crime and illegal activities. Drug trafficking and gambling-related offenses, in particular, pose threats to regional stability. This recent crackdown is seen as part of the authorities' efforts to intensify their crackdown on such criminal activities.