PHNOM PENH, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia and South Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday to jointly combat maritime drug trafficking.
The pact was inked by Meas Vyrith, secretary-general of Cambodia's National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), and Cho Yoon-man, director of the Investigation Bureau of the Korea Coast Guard.
Vyrith said that illicit drugs present an escalating threat, driven by the emergence of new chemical variants and the expansion of supply chains stretching from manufacturing hubs to consumer markets.
In response to these growing concerns, the South Korean side initiated this new partnership with Cambodia to disrupt drug trafficking networks, which are increasingly orchestrated by organized crime syndicates using maritime routes, he said.
"This MoU strengthens mutual support by enabling the direct exchange of intelligence on organized crime groups trafficking drugs via sea routes," Vyrith said.
A NACD's news release said the MoU reflected shared commitment to strengthening cooperation, sharing information, and fostering closer coordination to combat drug trafficking and transnational crime.
According to Cambodia's 2025 drug report, only 15 to 20 percent of illicit substances smuggled into the country were destined for domestic consumption. The remaining 80 to 85 percent were intended for transit to third countries.
Recent data from Cambodia's Anti-Drug Police Department revealed that authorities arrested 19,652 drug suspects, including 997 foreigners, and seized 2.65 tons of narcotics in the first eight months of 2026.
While the Southeast Asian nation does not impose the death penalty for drug offenses, individuals convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs face life imprisonment. ■
