Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng blasted a UN report claiming drug trafficking in Cambodia is a growth industry as “baseless” during a two-day meeting on drug prevention.
“Despite our efforts, we have noticed until now that some countries and international organizations refuse to recognize the will and the determination of the Royal Government of Cambodia and fail to acknowledge achievements of Cambodian authorities,” Sar Kheng said Wednesday. He is the chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs.
The UN International Drug Control Program’s March report named Cambodia as one of the world’s largest suppliers of marijuana. The report also said a significant amount of heroin and Burmese amphetamines are smuggled through Cambodia.
The drug prevention meeting was attended by officials from Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. The nations agreed to crack down on regional drug trafficking and strengthen cooperation.
The countries also promised to share advice on controlling drugs and on public awareness campaigns to reduce demand, as well as to meet annually to talk drugs.
