PHNOM PENH, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian authorities detained 20,906 drug-related suspects across 7,769 cases during the first nine months of 2026, according to an Anti-Drug Department report released Thursday.
The report noted a near-even split among those arrested: 49.5 percent were classified as traffickers, manufacturers, possessors, or transporters, while 50.5 percent were identified as users.
"A total of 3.08 tons of narcotics and 389 kilograms of dry marijuana were seized from the suspects' possession during the January-September period of 2026," the report said.
The confiscated narcotics consisted primarily of ketamine, ecstasy, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, and cocaine.
Cambodia does not impose the death penalty, but drug laws remain strict. Trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit substances carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. ■