PHNOM PENH, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said in a message on Thursday that up to 85 percent of illicit drugs entering Cambodia were destined for other countries.
"According to last year's report, only 15 to 20 percent of drugs passing through Cambodia were trafficked for domestic consumption, while the remaining 80 to 85 percent were intended for transit to third countries," he said in the message marking the International Day Against Drugs, which is annually celebrated on June 26.
Hun Manet said this is evidence that the drug market in Cambodia has been reduced, as people, especially young people, women, and students, have begun to deeply understand the dangers of drugs.
"This is a positive trend that encourages Cambodia to prevent drug crimes, ensuring it remains a safe place for living, tourism, foreign investment, and sustainable development," he said.
The prime minister also urged people from all walks of life to continue serving as a bridge to the authorities by reporting all types of drug crimes through the NoDrug mobile app and the hotline system, aiming to clean up their villages and make them drug-free.
"Authorities must tackle local drug crime using administrative and legal measures to eliminate community distribution and use," he said.
Phnom Penh Municipal Deputy Governor Hun Sorithy said on Thursday that approximately 4.61 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals would be incinerated to mark this year's International Day Against Drugs.
Authorities in the kingdom detained 26,421 drug suspects and confiscated 5.88 tons of illicit drugs in 2025, according to an Anti-Drug Department report.
This enforcement continued into 2026, with 7,127 suspects apprehended and approximately 1 ton of narcotics seized between January and May, the report added.
Most of the confiscated narcotics were ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal meth, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, and cathinone.
The Southeast Asian country has no death penalty for drug trafficking; however, trafficking over 80 grams of illicit drugs can result in a life sentence. ■
