Phnom Penh: Despite relentless efforts in fighting illicit drugs, Cambodia still has much more to do to address this global threat. Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Neth Savoeun, Chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), underlined the warning when presiding over the opening of the authority’s work review and planning conference on Mar. 12. H.E. Neth Savoeun voiced the message following NACD’s report indicating that the drug crime cases remain somewhat high.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the report briefed by NACD Secretary General H.E. Gen. Meas Virith during the conference revealed a significant increase in drug-related activities. The number of drug cases cracked down on increased by 31.84 percent in 2024, compared to 2023. In 2024, pertinent authorities cracked down on 10,630 drug crimes, which marks a 2,567-case increase compared to the previous year, and arrested 27,071 suspects.

Through the interventions during the year, Cambodian authorities seized 14.9 tonnes of illicit drugs
, which is an increase of over 11 tonnes compared to 2023. With the current trend, NACD leadership reaffirmed their deep commitment to fighting against the dangerous drugs.