A significant number of Cambodians are involved in drug trafficking, based on police crackdowns that have caught more Cambodians than foreigners.
They are involved in drugs because of difficulties in earning money, finding work, and a lack of awareness of the dangers of drugs. It is a mirror that reflects the multi-sectoral need to crack down on drugs, including addressing the economic situation, education, and strengthening law enforcement.
Drug Crime in Cambodia In the first half of 2025, most of those involved in drugs are still Cambodian citizens, while foreigners seem to be the same. The drug problem is still a serious situation that Cambodia cannot retreat or relax. From January to June 2025, authorities said that a total of 12,728 suspects were arrested, of which only 2.39 percent were foreigners, or about 300 people. The rest were all Cambodian citizens.
Authorities said that the number of suspects arrested in the first half of 2025 increased by about 8.05 percent, while the amount of cannabis seized was about 1.46 tons, including 366 kilograms of dried cannabis and a total of 12,212 fresh cannabis plants.
Other drugs seized included ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. So far, drugs have been a major target for Cambodian authorities to crack down on, but drug trafficking and smuggling activities are still increasing.
Regarding this issue, analysts have said that when the record of taking action against the drug increases like this, it may reflect many aspects. Among those views is that the drug problem in Cambodia is becoming more widespread because those involved, apart from foreigners, are all Cambodians.
However, do not be too pessimistic, because this increase may be due to continued increased activity in the fight against drugs. The view throughout the first half of 2025 also shows that the authorities are paying more attention to the fight against drugs. Therefore, the number of arrests of suspects related to drugs is increasing.
In particular, the continued detection of foreigners involved in drugs, although the percentage is small compared to the total number of suspects arrested, is still large. Therefore, it indicates that local authorities should strengthen further cooperation with other countries to clean up drugs before they reach Cambodia. Domestic suppression alone cannot succeed if foreigners continue to smuggle drugs into Cambodia.
Overall, the current increase in drug seizures and arrests is a clear indication that Cambodian society needs to continue to pay more attention to the fight against drugs. Those involved, from the government, NGOs, and the national and international community, should continue to strengthen education, raise awareness, and develop drug rehabilitation and prevention programs. Please do not ignore the drug problem. It continues to have a significant impact on Cambodia’s social and economic well-being.
