Background
The National Police of Cambodia coordinate provincial police forces and the Royal Gendarmerie to carry out anti-narcotics operations aimed at disrupting supply, transit and local consumption networks. These coordinated operations are a routine component of Cambodia’s public security response to illegal drug distribution and use.
On 19 August 2026 authorities reported 35 drug-related cases and 60 arrests nationwide. Reported seizures from that date included 3,803.32 grams of methamphetamine (ice), 435.10 grams of ‘Wy’ methamphetamine, 7,028.70 grams of ketamine, 9,409.60 grams of MDMA and 6,238.60 grams of heroin.
Key Developments
The nationwide operation was recorded as 35 separate cases categorized by police as trading, transport/storage, and use. Among the 60 suspects reported, officials classified 4 cases as trading (6 suspects), 12 cases as transport or storage (21 suspects) and 19 cases as use (33 suspects). The summary posted by security forces identified both male and female detainees across these categories.
Enforcement Actions
The National Police and four Royal Gendarmerie units reported participation across multiple provinces. Reported local results included: Battambang (ice seized: 56.88 g), Kratie (ice seized: 8.63 g), Siem Reap (multiple arrests across trade and use cases), Takeo (ice seized: 22.31 g), Tbong Khmum (ice seized: 1.45 g), Kompong Speu (ice seized: 15.27 g), Preah Vihear (ice seized: 6.88 g) and Preah Sihanouk where authorities reported the largest consolidated seizures (ice 3,685.40 g; Wy 435.10 g; ketamine 7,028.70 g; MDMA 9,409.60 g; heroin 6,238.60 g). The operation record lists a total of 60 persons detained during the August 19 actions.
Operational Implications
The published figures provide a quantifiable snapshot of interdiction activity on a single enforcement date and can be used to track unit-level activity and seizure volumes over time. Reported data identify the mix of substances and geographic distribution of arrests, which are commonly used by security agencies to allocate investigative resources and cross-jurisdictional coordination.
Source
Primary reporting was released by the National Police and published online at the National Police website: https://police.gov.kh/?p=184674
