Anti-drug police paraded 50 people they had arrested on suspicion of dealing and using narcotics at a press conference at the Phnom Penh Municipal Police station on Saturday.

The suspects had been rounded up as part of a 48-hour crackdown in the city that started on Friday.

“During our two-day campaign, authorities arrested 50 suspects involved in drug consumption and distribution and seized 480 small packets of methamphetamine, smoking gear, as well as seven swords and a machete,” said Born Sam Ath, Phnom Penh deputy police chief.

He added that 29 of those arrested were picked up near Sen Sok district’s Preah Kossamak Hospital, an area popular with both drug dealers and users.

“As part of our safer village and safer commune policy, we will remain vigilant and continue efforts to reduce drug dealing and consumption, especially in front of Preah Kossamak Hospital, where we will take active measures to enforce the law at least twice a week,” Sam Ath said.

The suspects were sent to Phnom Penh Municipal Court where they were remanded in custody to await prosecution.