In brief
The Anti‑Drug Department announced that authorities detained 25,360 suspects, a rise from 21,800 the previous year, while seized narcotics dropped to 4.26 tons from 5.48 tons in 2025. Foreign nationals made up 1,248 of those detained, with roughly half identified as traffickers and the other half as users. The report noted a decline in seized drugs but did not explain the causes or anticipated impact.
PHNOM PENH, Nov. 1 — Cambodian officials reported a 16.3 percent increase in drug‑related arrests during the first ten months of 2026, while the total seized narcotics fell by 1.2 tons compared with the same period in 2025.
The Anti‑Drug Department (ADP) disclosed that authorities detained 25,360 suspects between January 1 and October 31, up from 21,800 in the same timeframe of 2025.
Among the detainees, 1,248 were foreign nationals representing 25 different countries, according to the report.
In the ADP’s assessment, 48.3 percent of the suspects 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 during the period, a decline from the 5.48 tons of narcotics and 516 kilograms of dry marijuana seized in 2025.
Additional evidence seized included 73 pistols and 27 homemade rifles.
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.
The report does not explain the reasons for the decline in drug seizures or how the increase in arrests will affect drug availability, leaving those questions unresolved.
