Cambodia Clears 200 Tons of Toxic Chemicals from Drug Labs

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UNODC

 

 

A vast clean-up operation is underway in Cambodia after authorities uncovered one of the world’s largest illegal synthetic drug manufacturing networks, hidden in plain sight on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

 

More than 200 tonnes of hazardous precursor chemicals have now been removed from dozens of secret stockpiles linked to massive clandestine labs first discovered in 2022. The scale stunned international experts.

 

“These are huge reactors, professionally assembled — not your typical backyard operation,” said Martin Raithelhuber of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

 

The initial raids revealed two industrial-scale drug labs packed with chemical drums, contaminated lab gear, and makeshift ventilation systems. But the real alarm came as police traced the supply chain to over 20 hidden chemical storage sites, some dangerously close to schools and homes.

 

An assessment found that the stockpiled chemicals posed an immediate threat to public health and the environment. Several containers were already corroding, prompting urgent action.

 

In response, Cambodia partnered with UNODC to train 25 officers in hazardous material handling. Equipped with protective gear and newly developed protocols, teams from the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), National Police and Chemical Weapons Authority began transferring toxic stockpiles to a secure state facility.

 

“This is the biggest chemical seizure we’ve seen post-COVID,” said Meas Vyrith, NACD Secretary General. “Now we’re better prepared.”

 

The operation also highlights Cambodia’s growing struggle with industrial-scale meth production. In 2024, a record 9.5 tonnes of crystal meth were seized. Cheap street-level drugs, including "yaba" tablets and so-called “Happy Water” sachets — flashy party packs often laced with unknown chemicals — are fuelling a sharp rise in addiction.

 

Treatment centres are overwhelmed, with meth-related admissions tripling in just four years.

 

Authorities warn that without stronger chemical regulation and international cooperation, Cambodia risks becoming a hub for regional drug syndicates.

 

“This can’t be just clean-up after the fact,” Raithelhuber said. “We need systems in place to stop these chemicals getting in at all.”

With more toxic stockpiles still likely hidden, the clean-up is far from over — but for now, a major step has been taken to disrupt the cycle.

 

-2025-06-24