Interior minister Sar Sokha addresses a meeting held to improve work efficiency at the ministry on August 28. INTERIOR MINISTRY
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has announced that any members of the armed forces involved in drug use or dealing “should not be retained as members of the armed forces”.
His made the comments as he addressed a recent swearing-in ceremony for new secretary-generals, director-generals and the head of the Police Academy of Cambodia.
“Keeping them in the armed forces doesn’t help. We don’t know how long one member might have been using drugs, and because of that, tens of thousands could suffer,” he said.
“We’ll be talking more about this with Prum Sokha – head of the National Authority for Combating Drugs – in the coming days. We need to examine ways to strengthen our drug control measures,” he added.
Sokha stressed the need to address illegitimate intervention in drug-related matters, acknowledging that such interference had occurred in the past.
On August 31, Meas Vyrith, secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), said that following the election, the authority celebrated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Preah Sihanouk, Battambang, Siem Reap and Kampong Chhnang provinces. During the event, over six tonnes of seized drugs were burned.
“I haven’t received all the reports yet, but drugs were burned in multiple provinces. I have yet to collate the figures, but I personally attended some of the drug-burning ceremonies, while deputy secretary-generals attended others in the capital and provinces,” he added.
He explained that the ceremonies aimed to raise awareness among young people, parents, and families, about the risks associated with drugs. The message is clear: drugs are harmful and should be completely avoided.
He said that under the new government, he invites everyone to join forces with the NACD. His goal is to work towards eliminating drug problems and avoid an increase in drug use.
“To stop the rise in drug users, the first step is for everyone to say no to drugs. This will make our villages and communes safer. The drug problem is a complex issue in some communities,” he added.
