Phnom Penh, Cambodia – June 18, 2025
A 41-year-old British national was arrested at Phnom Penh International Airport on June 17, 2025, after authorities discovered nearly 20 kilograms of marijuana in his possession as he attempted to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
According to Cambodian officials, the arrest was made during a coordinated operation by the Anti-Narcotics Department in cooperation with customs and excise officers at the airport’s departure terminal. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Prosecutor Sit Vann of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court.
Law enforcement authorities reported seizing 22 bags of dried marijuana, with a total weight of 19.9 kilograms, during the arrest. The man is currently in custody and has been formally charged under Cambodian law. The case has been forwarded to the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for further legal proceedings.
The crackdown was carried out under the directives of senior members of Cambodia’s National Police, including Commissioner-General Sar Thet and several deputy commissioners responsible for anti-drug operations and administrative oversight.
Cambodia’s Anti-Narcotics Department emphasized that the trafficking, transportation, cultivation, and possession of marijuana are strictly prohibited under the country’s 2012 Law on the Control of Drugs. Despite shifting global attitudes toward cannabis, the plant remains illegal in Cambodia, and violations can result in severe penalties.
Expats and travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with Cambodian drug laws, which differ significantly from those in some Western countries. Cambodian authorities maintain a zero-tolerance stance on narcotics, and airport screenings are regularly conducted to detect illicit substances.
Further updates on the case will be provided as proceedings continue through the Cambodian legal system.
