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Cambodia burns 500 mln USD worth of illicit drugs: deputy PM
By Xinhua Published: Jul 22, 2026 12:56 PM
Anti-drug police officers stand guard during a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Anti-drug police officers stand guard during a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)



Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said.

Speaking at a drug-burning ceremony in southern Kandal province's Ponhea Leu district, Sokha said the event sent a clear message of zero tolerance to traffickers. "This clearly reflects the government's vision to build a drug-free Cambodia," he said.

Sokha also praised law enforcement for relentlessly tackling drug crime to maintain national peace, security, and public order.

The substances were confiscated during 2025 operations in Phnom Penh capital city and Kampong Chhnang province.

Data from the Anti-Drug Police Department revealed that authorities arrested 12,581 drug suspects, including 225 foreigners, and seized 2.38 tons of narcotics in the first half of 2026 alone.

The Southeast Asian country has no death penalty for drug trafficking. However, trafficking over 80 grams of illicit drugs can result in imprisonment for life.

An anti-drug police officer stands guard during a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

An anti-drug police officer stands guard during a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)


Staff members arrange seized illicit drugs for a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Staff members arrange seized illicit drugs for a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)


Staff members set illicit drugs on fire during a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)

Staff members set illicit drugs on fire during a drug-burning ceremony in Kandal province, Cambodia, July 21, 2026. Cambodia destroyed 5.62 tons of illicit drugs and precursor chemicals valued at 500 million U.S. dollars on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha said. (Photo by Sovannara/Xinhua)