Phnom Penh (VNA) – Cambodia has seen a significant rise in both drug arrests and seizures during the first seven months of 2022, the Anti-Drug Police Department (ADP) reported on August 13.

Cambodian authorities apprehended 9,151 drug related suspects during the January-July period this year, up 16% from 7,876 in the same period last year, it said, adding that about 3.27 tonnes of illicit drugs had been seized, up almost 240% from 963 kg.

The seized drugs included heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, cathinone and ketamine, among others.

Additionally, about 201 tonnes of drug ingredients, 17 pistols, 31 rifles and many vehicles and devices had been confiscated from the suspects.

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen has called for concerted efforts to combat illegal drugs, saying that fighting against illicit drugs is a priority.

The Southeast Asian nation has no death sentence for drug traffickers. Under its law, anyone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could be jailed for life./.
VNA