The highly publicized attack on a Kampot marijuana plantation on February 26

involving tanks, six helicopters, military and even Prime Minister Hun Sen and

his personal bodyguards is an indication of the Government's increasing

anti-drug stance, say officials.

National Police Chief Hok Lundy said 31

hectares of fresh marijuana and 9.5 tonnes that had been already harvested and

dried were destroyed.

He said the scale of the operation "demonstrates

the efforts and determination of the Royal Government."

But a senior

Government member who visited the area in the wake of the raid said locals were

bemused by the fuss.

He said they had asked him if the Government was so

upset by the drug plantation why hadn't they acted earlier and seized the bulk

of the plantation's output which had already been harvested and exported prior

to the recent raids.