Drug crimes 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 remains a serious one that Cambodia cannot afford to retreat or relax.
From January to June 2025, authorities reported a total of 12,728 suspects Of those arrested, only 2.39 percent were foreigners, or about 300 people. The rest were all Cambodian citizens.
The 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. In addition, 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 on the rise.
Regarding this issue, analysts have said that when the record of drug seizures increases, it may reflect several aspects. Among those aspects is that the drug problem in Cambodia is becoming more widespread.
However, let’s 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 drug suspects arrested is increasing.
In particular, the continued detection of foreigners involved in drug trafficking, 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 drug trafficking before it reaches Cambodia. Domestic crackdowns cannot succeed if foreigners continue to smuggle drugs into Cambodia.
Overall, the current increase in drug seizures and arrests is clear evidence 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 and raise awareness. And establish a drug rehabilitation and prevention program. Please do not retreat from the drug problem. It continues to actively affect the social and economic well-being of Cambodia.
