To mark International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, nearly 350 kilogrammes of narcotics and over 30,000 pills were incinerated during a June 23 ceremony in Battambang province.
The incineration ceremony, organised to celebrate June 26 – International Day Against Drug Abuse – was held under the theme “Together, Prevent, Suppress, and Eliminate the Root Causes of Drug Problems in Cambodia”. The event, organised by the Battambang Provincial Court and the provincial administration, was presided over by Minister of Interior Sar Sokha.
The provincial court reported that the 342.38745 kilogrammes of powdered drugs and 33,562 pills that were destroyed drugs were seized as evidence in 679 separate criminal cases.
Sokha used the occasion to emphasise the importance of rehabilitation, investment in drug treatment centres and multi-stakeholder cooperation to address the issue of drugs.
“Rehabilitation of drug users and dismantling the drug trade gives addicts a second chance to reform and become good citizens again,” he said.
He noted that successful rehabilitation requires encouragement and support from family members and the community, while efforts to prevent, suppress and crack down on drug trafficking must also involve all relevant stakeholders.
“It cannot be the sole responsibility of law enforcement or even any one country,” he said.
He stressed the need for private sector involvement, especially through investment in rehab centres. Relevant institutions including the state should support private initiatives by implementing incentive policies, such as reducing electricity and water fees, lowering taxes and cutting the cost of essential supplies needed for rehabilitation centres.
Sokha reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to combating illegal drugs at both the national and international level, describing them as a global issue that is spreading into Cambodia from outside countries.
Domestically, he highlighted the importance of strict law enforcement, while promoting the campaign slogan “3 Don’ts, 1 Report” and supporting the policy of implementing the safe village-commune policy throughout the country.
On the international front, he noted that Cambodia has backed up its strong commitment with concrete mechanisms, including cooperation with neighbouring countries, ASEAN frameworks, Interpol and UN agencies. The country also links anti-drug efforts with campaigns against money laundering and the trafficking of weapons of mass destruction.
Im Kosal, deputy provincial police chief and spokesperson of the Battambang Provincial Police, acknowledged that drug-related problems still exist, although they appear less visible in recent times.
“Drugs are still present, but in recent times things have quieted down. They are not as widespread, mainly because we have tightened enforcement measures,” he said.
