PHNOM PENH, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia reported a rise in drug-related arrests but a drop in overall narcotics seizures during the first 10 months of 2026, according to an Anti-Drug Department (ADP) report released on Sunday.
The Southeast Asian nation detained 25,360 drug suspects during the January-October period, a 16.3 percent increase compared to 21,800 during the same period last year. Foreign nationals made up 1,248 of the detainees, representing 25 different nationalities.
Of the total suspects, 48.3 percent were classified as drug traffickers, manufacturers, possessors, or transporters, while 51.7 percent were recorded as drug users.
"Authorities confiscated 4.26 tons of illicit drugs and 537 kilograms of dry cannabis between Jan. 1 and Oct. 31, 2026," the report said, adding that this marked a decrease from the 5.48 tons of narcotics and 516 kilograms of dry marijuana seized during the same timeframe in 2025.
Other seized evidence included 73 pistols and 27 homemade rifles, the report said, adding that the confiscated narcotics largely consisted of ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, and cathinone.
Cambodia does not impose the death penalty for drug offenses. Under national law, individuals convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs can face life imprisonment. ■
