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.
