Background
The National Police of Cambodia directs provincial police units to conduct coordinated anti-narcotics operations across administrative jurisdictions, using case counts and seizure records to report operational results. Drug operations in Cambodia are reported with counts of cases, numbers of detainees, and quantities of seized substances.
Operational reporting commonly distinguishes offenses by type—trafficking, transport/possession, and use—so that arrest records and physical evidence are recorded at the provincial level. The institutional role of the National Police includes compiling arrest and seizure data from participating units to support subsequent criminal procedures.
Key Developments
On 21 May, National Police units reported 17 anti-narcotics cases nationwide that resulted in 52 arrests and the seizure of 157.71 grams of methamphetamine (ice) and 3.26 grams of ketamine. The 52 detainees were classified in the police report as follows: 2 trafficking cases (7 detainees, including 1 female); 9 transport/possession cases (21 detainees, including 1 female); and 6 use cases (24 detainees, including 1 female).
Eight police units or provincial commands were listed as participants, with province-level details provided by the National Police report:
- Phnom Penh (municipal unit): 2 use cases, 8 detainees.
- Kampong Cham: 1 possession case, 2 detainees; plus 1 operation (land interdiction) with 1 arrest and 6.20 grams of methamphetamine seized.
- Kratie: 1 use case, 1 detainee; 0.34 grams of methamphetamine seized.
- Kampong Chhnang: 2 possession cases, 2 detainees; 3.08 grams of methamphetamine seized.
- Pursat: 1 trafficking case, 3 detainees; 2 possession cases, 8 detainees (1 female); 44.14 grams of methamphetamine seized.
- Siem Reap: 1 trafficking case, 4 detainees (1 female); 2 possession cases, 5 detainees; 1 use case, 16 detainees (1 female); 102.37 grams of methamphetamine seized.
- Svay Rieng: 2 possession cases, 4 detainees; 0.85 grams of methamphetamine and 3.26 grams of ketamine seized.
- Tbong Khmum: 2 use cases, 3 detainees; 0.73 grams of methamphetamine seized.
Operational Implications
The reported operation demonstrates multi-provincial participation by national and provincial police units and provides a snapshot of seizure volumes and arrest classifications used in daily enforcement reporting. Seizure totals and case-type breakdowns in the report can be used for short-term monitoring of enforcement activity at the provincial level.
Sources
Primary source: National Police of Cambodia social media post and police website (https://police.gov.kh/?p=160772). Original report published 21 May and reposted by the National Police of Cambodia Facebook account.
