The fight against drugs is the shared responsibility of all Cambodian citizens, and everyone must uphold a lifelong commitment to never engage in drug use or trafficking, said Prime Minister Hun Manet in a special message, released to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26.
The Cambodian government selected the theme: “Together, Prevent, Suppress and Eliminate the Roots of Drug Problems in Cambodia” to mark the day, which the prime minister described as an important occasion to reaffirm Cambodia’s dedication to combat drugs through every possible method and strategy with the goal of reducing and ultimately eradicating drugs from Cambodian society.
The theme aims to mobilise a nationwide movement, involving all sectors, to raise awareness of the dangers and impacts of drugs and to implement strong and uncompromising actions from all stakeholders to eliminate the roots of the problem and prevent its resurgence.
“The fight against drugs cannot be seen as the sole responsibility of any one institution or entity. It is a collective duty for all Cambodian citizens. Each of us has our own role to play through education, awareness and adopting a lifelong zero-tolerance stance toward drug use and trafficking,” said Manet.
He also highlighted the complex and interlinked global drug situation, which operates like a vicious cycle tied to organised crime, resulting in multiple criminal offenses and social instability. Drug-related crime poses a serious obstacle to national social and economic development, he noted.
Previously, the government implemented firm initiatives such as the “Clean Our House” and “Remove the duckweed from the Lake” campaigns to promote good governance, cleanliness and law enforcement. Furthermore, the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), as the lead agency, has introduced various new policies and strategies to mobilise society to join government efforts in removing drugs from communities.
In 2024, national police and armed forces conducted widespread anti-drug operations, arresting 27,071 suspects—a 35.53 per cent increase from 2023. Authorities seized 14.9 tonnes of narcotics, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year’s seizures.
“The core policy of the Royal Government is to prevent Cambodia from becoming a hub for drug crimes and protect our society from being harmed by drugs. We must eliminate drug use in communities through education, prevention, enforcement and uprooting the problem, guided by a unified national vision of a drug-free life and society,” said Manet.
He instructed the National Police, Royal Gendarmerie and provincial-municipal commanders to strengthen their roles in cracking down on drug crimes, dismantling trafficking networks and eliminating drug markets, particularly by disrupting distribution chains into communities and rural areas, in line with the “3 Don’ts, 1 Report” principle: Don’t get involved, Don’t intervene, Don’t show leniency, but Report.
He also encouraged parents, guardians and drug users themselves to seek treatment and rehabilitation services at public or private centres to help rebuild Cambodia’s human capital.
The prime minister also encouraged citizens, especially the youth, to download and use the “No Drug” mobile app developed by the NACD. The app provides educational resources, information on treatment and rehab services and offers a fast, secure way to report drug use or distribution anonymously in their communities
“Using the No Drug app is a meaningful way to participate in the government’s anti-drug mission,” he added.
The app was officially launched in April 2024, and nearly 50,000 users have downloaded it. Citizens have reported about 1,400 drug-related incidents, of which authorities have intervened in 1,200 cases.
