Phnom Penh (FN), Feb. 13 – As part of Cambodia’s 10th anti-drug campaign for 2025, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet instructed the administrative authorities at the capital, provincial, municipal, district, khan, commune, and Sangkat levels to update the list of individuals and areas vulnerable to drug abuse within their jurisdictions.
Additionally, business owners and managers of establishments deemed high-risk must be summoned for consultation, instructed to enhance their management practices, and required to sign cooperation agreements to prevent drug-related crimes on their premises.
Samdech Thipadei also directed the relevant authorities to mobilise local administrative forces, particularly in unregulated areas such as entertainment clubs, condominiums, bars, KTV venues, and guesthouses. The premier emphasised the need for continuous monitoring and inspection and called for strict action, including the temporary or permanent closure of businesses found to be facilitating drug trafficking or use.
This directive follows concerns over the persistent drug problem, which remains a chronic challenge and a societal risk. Drug use in communities continues to be prevalent, necessitating urgent and effective measures to address the issue.
Furthermore, Samdech Thipadei instructed the organisation of consultation meetings with local communities, educational institutions, public bodies, factories, enterprises, and the private sector to foster cooperation in preventing drug-related crimes and implementing administrative measures.
Regarding the General Department of Prisons, authorities have been urged to strengthen the management of prisons and correctional centres with heightened vigilance and responsibility. The directive underscores the need to prevent drug smuggling into prisons and to eliminate any connections between inmates and external drug networks. Additionally, authorities must consider segregating offenders involved in drug-related crimes from other convicts to ensure effective management and rehabilitation.
=FRESH NEWS
