(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet considered drug crimes and online scams as weaknesses in Cambodian society that must be eliminated to protect the country’s image, social stability, and economic development.

The premier spoke on Friday (Mar. 6) during the closing ceremony of the National Authority for Combating Drugs’ annual conference at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet urged relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, the National Police, and the National Authority for Combating Drugs, to intensify efforts against drug crimes, noting that the issue directly affects Cambodia’s socio-economic development and its youth.

“Our country is going through a challenging period, but we must not remain idle. We must strengthen ourselves by eliminating our weaknesses and reinforcing our strengths. Drug crimes and online scams are problems we must clean up in our house,” the prime minister said.

The Royal Government has treated the fight against drugs as a national priority, launching a nationwide anti-drug campaign that has been carried out 11 times since 2017.

In 2025, authorities handled 10,743 drug-related cases, an increase of 113 cases or 1.06 per cent compared to 2024. A total of 27,884 suspects were arrested, while five tons and 897 kilograms of drugs were confiscated, a decrease of nine tons and 12 kilograms or 60.45 per cent.

Regarding online scams, the Royal Government has pledged to eliminate such activities by April 2026, stressing that the crackdown will continue without retreat.
=FRESH NEWS