Cambodian Coastal Authorities Bust Major Drug and Arms Trafficking Ring, Arrest 7 Chinese Nationals

In the waters off Sihanoukville, in southwestern Cambodia, maritime border police have conducted a large-scale operation against a drug and illegal arms trafficking ring, resulting in the arrest of seven Chinese nationals. Approximately 840 kilograms of narcotics and numerous firearms were seized. The operation took place in the early hours of September 23, 2026, under the command of Major General Touch Pola, Director of the Maritime Border Police, with the participation of the Maritime Crime Suppression Unit and the 240th Maritime Border Police Battalion stationed in Sihanoukville. Police authorities stated that they had identified specific targets in the Sihanoukville maritime area after several days of covert investigation and intelligence gathering. In the initial phase, maritime border police, in collaboration with the Sihanoukville Provincial Police, intercepted one boat and apprehended two Chinese nationals. Subsequently, investigations continued, leading to the detention of two vehicles and five more Chinese nationals. During this operation, 42 sacks of suspected white powder narcotics were discovered and seized, with an estimated total weight of approximately 840 kilograms. In addition to the suspected narcotics, seized evidence includes three motorcycles, ten rifles, thirty-nine handguns, 108 magazines, 7,937 rounds of ammunition, and eight syringes. The seven suspects and related evidence have been handed over to the Sihanoukville Provincial Police for further legal proceedings and investigation into potential networks involved in this illegal drug and arms trafficking. This incident highlights the presence of international criminal organizations operating in Cambodia, particularly concerning trafficking routes for illegal drugs and weapons utilizing coastal areas. Authorities are maintaining a heightened state of vigilance.