Background
On 26 February 2026, the National Police of Cambodia conducted a coordinated operation to suppress narcotics-related crimes nationwide. This was part of ongoing efforts to address drug trafficking, transportation, possession, and use.
Scope of Application
The operation covered multiple provinces and municipalities across Cambodia involving nine police units. A total of 17 cases were addressed, including drug trade, transportation and storage, and drug use offenses.
Key Provisions or Decisions
The operation resulted in the arrest of 51 suspects, including 6 females. The arrests were categorized as follows:
- Drug trade cases: 4 cases with 20 suspects arrested (3 females)
- Drug transportation and storage cases: 11 cases with 23 suspects arrested (3 females)
- Drug use cases: 2 cases with 8 suspects arrested (no females)
Seized substances included:
- Methamphetamine (Ice): 1017.83 grams
- Methamphetamine (Wy): 6.68 grams
- Ketamine: 1409.36 grams
- MDMA: 126.40 grams
Police units involved and some case specifics included:
- Phnom Penh: 1 drug use case, 7 suspects arrested
- Banteay Meanchey: 1 trade case (3 suspects), 3 possession cases (7 suspects including 1 female), 1 use case (1 suspect); seized substances included methamphetamine Ice 59.81g, Wy 4.88g, Ketamine 7.04g
- Kampong Chhnang: 2 possession cases (4 suspects), 1 case of marijuana possession
- Kampot: 1 trade case (2 suspects), 2 possession cases (5 suspects); 15.42g Ice seized
- Pursat: 2 possession cases (3 suspects); 11.01g Ice seized
- Kampong Speu: 1 possession case (2 females arrested); 1.19g Ice seized
- Sihanoukville: 1 trade case (9 suspects including 2 females); 1.80g Wy, 36.12g Ketamine seized
- Svay Rieng: 1 trade case (6 suspects including 1 female); 937.60g Ice, 1366.20g Ketamine, 126.40g MDMA seized
- Oddar Meanchey: 1 possession case (2 suspects); 1.10g Ice seized
Implications for Investors, Businesses, or Compliance
This operation demonstrates Cambodia’s active enforcement against narcotics-related offenses, reaffirming legal and security standards. Businesses and investors should recognize the government’s firm stance on narcotics control which impacts public security and overall governance climate.
Official Source
National Police of Cambodia official Facebook post: https://www.facebook.com/cambodiapolice/posts/pfbid02TvzSc6pyfPkZBgZGWouEcdbMpEBEQrvdwzbQu54wNKWKNshpGEVZnhQdQE6sQtrol
Additional police report: https://police.gov.kh/?p=138912
