Takeo province has been cited as the top producers of marijuana plants. Lieutenant General Nak Yuthea, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, said yesterday that authorities found 32 cases of marijuana cultivation and arrested five Cambodian growers.
“The largest area for cultivating marijuana is in Takeo province. Other provinces also grow marijuana, but not as much as in Takeo’s Kiri Vong district.
“All the 32 cases involved in marijuana cultivation are locals. “If people have a few plants, they will be educated and released; however, those who cultivate on a large scale for retail will have their plants destroyed and face prosecution,” Lt Gen Yuthea said.
According to the government anti-drug campaign report for 2022, police cracked down on 6,290 drug crimes, arresting 14,784 people involving nine nationalities.
The report added that out of 6,290 cases, 3,097 were for trafficking and 1,094 for storage, while 10 cases are being processed by the courts. There were 12 cases of trafficking, 32 cases of cultivation, 38 cases of driving under the influence and 2,007 cases of usage.
According to the report, the police confiscated more than 14 tons of marijuana, over 60,000 cannabis plants and more than 500 tons of chemical ingredients.
General Meas Vyrith, secretary general of NACD, said the amount of drugs seized in 2022, was more than 10 tons, while in 2021, about four tons were confiscated.
“In 2022, international drug gangs…
