PHNOM PENH, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian authorities detained 19,652 drug-related suspects across 7,347 cases during the first eight months of 2026, according to an Anti-Drug Department report released Tuesday.
The report said that 49.5 percent of those arrested were classified as traffickers, manufacturers, possessors, or transporters, while 50.5 percent were identified as drug users.
"A total of 2.65 tons of narcotics and 282 kilograms of dry marijuana were seized from the suspects' possession during the January-August period of 2026," the report said.
Authorities also impounded 2.26 tons of precursor chemicals, 59 pistols, 18 homemade rifles, 125 cars, 1,798 motorbikes, 8,373 mobile phones, 765 scales, and some cash.
The confiscated narcotics consisted primarily of ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, and cocaine.
While Cambodia does not impose the death penalty for drug offenses, its legal system carries severe penalties. Under current laws, individuals convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs can face life imprisonment. ■