Cambodian officials set fire on a batch of seized illicit drugs and ingredients in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
PHNOM PENH, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng set fire to the illicit drugs and substances at a ceremony held at the Diamond Island in the capital Phnom Penh.
"This clearly demonstrates the government's strong commitment to preventing and cracking down on all forms of drug trafficking," he said.
Kheng commended authorities at all levels for sparing no effort to suppress all kinds of drug crimes for the sake of the nation's peace, security, safety, public order and development.
Phnom Penh Municipal Court's prosecutor Chreng Khmao said roughly 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients were destroyed at the event, and that those drugs included heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cathinone, ketamine and nimetazepam.
According to the Anti-Drug Police Department, Cambodia nabbed 7,230 drug-related suspects, including 136 foreigners, and seized nearly 785 kg narcotics during the January-May period of 2023.
The Southeast Asian nation has no death sentence for drug traffickers. Under its law, someone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grams of drugs could be jailed for life. ■
A military police officer stands guard during a ceremony where a batch of seized illicit drugs and ingredients are destroyed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
Military police officers stand guard during a ceremony where a batch of seized illicit drugs and ingredients are destroyed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
Illicit drugs and ingredients are burned down in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 28, 2023. Cambodia on Wednesday destroyed 5.71 tons of illicit drugs and ingredients, officials said. (Photo by Phearum/Xinhua)
