Cambodia Seizes 1.46 Tons of Drugs, Arrests 12,728 in Six Months

[geovalin]

ADP

 

PHNOM PENH — Cambodia’s anti-drug crackdown is intensifying, with authorities detaining 12,728 suspects and seizing more than 1.46 tonnes of narcotics in the first half of 2025, according to an official report released on Wednesday.

 

The figures mark an 8% rise in arrests compared to the same period last year. Among those detained were 304 foreigners, including 29 women, according to the Anti-Drug Department (ADP).

 

Police also confiscated 366 kilograms of dried marijuana, over 12,000 fresh cannabis plants, and 546 kilograms of drug-making ingredients. Weapons and vehicles were seized as well — including 32 pistols, 15 rifles, over 1,200 motorcycles, and 102 cars — alongside mobile phones, weighing scales, and large sums of cash.

 

The haul featured a wide range of illicit substances, including ketamine, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and various forms of methamphetamine.

 

The ADP report coincided with an ongoing high-profile trial in Phnom Penh. Six people — including four women — are facing life imprisonment for allegedly trafficking nearly 200 kilograms of hard drugs from Laos into Cambodia. Prosecutors say the suspects smuggled ketamine, heroin, and crystal meth from the Lao border in Stung Treng province to the capital’s Chroy Changvar district.

 

The alleged ringleader, Ly Bunmin, 51, and his son Ly Ming, 24, were named in court proceedings, alongside Bun Navy, Bun Malis, Suy Chhenglang, and Kes Srey Penh. Police seized three cars, over $300,000 in bank assets, and five condominium units linked to the group during raids in January.

 

All six face charges under Cambodia’s anti-drug and anti-money laundering laws. Four have admitted guilt and appealed for reduced sentences. A verdict is expected on 11 July.

 

Cambodia has no death penalty, but anyone convicted of trafficking over 80 grams of illicit drugs may face life in prison. As the scale of seizures and prosecutions grows, authorities say they remain committed to dismantling transnational drug networks operating within the country.

 

-2025-07-03

[FlorC]

What is weird is that so close to China , and with Chinese running around

in Thailand and Cambodia , we never hear of fentanyl.

I guess they only export it to the US via Canada & Mexico.