AKP Phnom Penh, June 25, 2026 --

Deputy Prime Minister and President of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), H.E. Santepundit Neth Savoeun, has called on provincial and municipal governors to respond more promptly to drug-related cases in their jurisdictions, stressing the need to avoid delays after receiving reports from citizens.

Speaking at the celebration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26) held at Koh Pich Convention and Exhibition Centre in Phnom Penh on Thursday morning, H.E. Neth Savoeun warned that slow action could have serious consequences for Cambodia’s youth and students.

“If timely measures are not taken, drugs will destroy the future of our students and young people,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged public concerns over delays in crackdowns following reports from local residents, noting that some cases submitted through the No Drug mobile application had not been investigated quickly enough.

“People have complained about the slow response to their reports, and even from the reports I have personally reviewed through the No Drug App, some investigations were not conducted in a timely manner,” he stated.

H.E. Neth Savoeun therefore urged all governors to be more proactive, responsive, and efficient in addressing drug-related activities from now on.

According to a message issued by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the global situation in 2025 and the first half of 2026 has been marked by increasing fragility, uncertainty, and security challenges, creating opportunities for criminal networks to expand drug trafficking and other transnational crimes.

The Prime Minister noted that drug-related offences have become increasingly intertwined with various forms of non-traditional crimes, generating new and complex challenges for countries worldwide.

In response to these evolving threats, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selected a 2026 theme emphasising the need for innovative approaches to address persistent and emerging global drug problems.

Reflecting this international theme, the Royal Government of Cambodia adopted the national slogan: “Together Responding to Drug Problems in a New Context Through Innovation.”

By C. Nika