The US’ annual report on the worldwide drug trade presents a damning picture of Cambodia, describing authorities’ attempts to control drug trade and production as “doomed to failure” in a climate of corruption and impunity.
The US State Department’s International Narcotics Control Strategy report, released Saturday, says, “the government recognizes that its counter-narcotics efforts are spotty and often ineffective.”
“Enforcement efforts have not targeted major traffickers and their organizations,” the report continues.
A dearth of police training and resources, combined with widespread corruption, mean that Cambodia’s mushrooming methamphetamine consumption, large-scale marijuana production and role as conduit for regionally produced heroin are set to continue unchecked.
While few Cambodian-produced narcotics end up in the US, the report expresses concern that loose border controls make Cambodian sea- and airports easy transit points for drugs bound for Europe, Africa and Australia.
Heroin and marijuana regularly enter and exit through Phnom Penh’s river port and the maritime ports of Sihanoukville, Koh Kong and Kampot, the report states. Narcotics are believed to be transited to foreign destinations through Phnom Penh International Airport due to “lax customs and immigration controls.” “Rudimentary” controls at Siem Reap’s airport also pose a potential drug trafficking problem.
Khieu Sopheak, deputy secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, said on Tuesday he had not yet had the opportunity to read the report. But he did express frustration over such pointed criticism from a government which takes very few steps to assist the control of drugs in Cambodia.
“The US only provides us with indirect assistance,” Khieu Sopheak said. “Four years ago, they gave [the NACD] some technical equipment, but they didn’t teach us how to use it. They show green grass to a hungry horse, but they don’t allow it to eat.”
“If the US offers us constructive criticism, then we accept it,” he continued. “But if they just criticize us from a distance and do not give us direct assistance, then we do not accept it.”
