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The trend of globalisation has both negative and positive impacts on Cambodia.

Drugs are one of the negative problems we’re facing today due to rapid modern development. It is a matter that young Cambodians are confronting as the confident future leaders of the country.

On November 25, the National Assembly approved the draft drug law, a comprehensive piece of legislation containing nine chapters and 125 articles.

Chan Hoeun, a lawyer, said that the new drug law has three objectives.

“The law is in place to prevent, stop, and combat drug crime and control every substance that is lawfully permitted for the purpose of medical practices and science, and guarantee that the actions taken by Cambodia are in accordance with the treaty and protocol of the United Nations in relation to drug control,” he said.

“When comparing between the old drug law and this new law, we see that the punishment is stricter than before, because conviction can lead to life-long imprisonment in jail if anyone is caught with over 80 grams of an illegal substance,” he added.

The draft law was sent to the Senate, for verification and approval, before being sent to the King to sign and declare.

According to the Cambodian Constitution, any law approved by the Assembly and signed by the King will be promulgated in Phnom Penh 10 days after the King’s signature. The law will be promulgated in the rest of Cambodia 20 days after the King’s signature.

Laws that are stipulated as urgent shall take effect immediately throughout Cambodia, according to the Constitution.