Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Mayor Orders 14 Districts to Crack Down on Drugs, E-Cigarettes, and Online Scams

Key Highlights:

·Scope of Enforcement: Simultaneous crackdowns on drugs, e-cigarettes, and online scams

·Priority Areas: Schools, entertainment venues, and suspicious apartment complexes

·Execution Requirements: District officials must develop action plans and report weekly

·Resource Support: Special funds available for anti-drug operations upon request

·Education Protection: Strict ban on students’ access to e-cigarettes; Mayor likens students to “bamboo shoots needing careful cultivation”

[2Firsts News Flash] Phnom Penh Mayor and Chairman of the Phnom Penh Joint Command, Khuong Sreng, has instructed authorities in all 14 districts to intensify efforts to prevent and combat drug activities, ban e-cigarettes, and tackle online scams to ensure the safety of all villages and communes.

The directive was issued today during a Phnom Penh Joint Command meeting held at City Hall, attended by armed forces, relevant departments, and authorities from all 14 districts.

During the meeting, Mayor Khuong Sreng stressed that the purpose of the Phnom Penh Joint Command meeting was to develop strategic plans for maintaining public safety. This includes continuous prevention and suppression of drug crimes, elimination of e-cigarettes, and combating technology-based fraud, all aimed at ensuring the security of villages and communities.

He emphasized that these responsibilities fall under the jurisdiction of district-level authorities.

“If we cannot stop these problems, no one else can.” 

He said, urging district leaders to take full responsibility, particularly in the fight against drugs.If current resources are insufficient, authorities must formally request support, and the Phnom Penh Joint Command will seek necessary funding to ensure effective operations. He highlighted that all district authorities must work closely with the two forces and actively coordinate in addressing drug-related issues.

Khuong Sreng stressed that district governors must maintain close contact with the public, even on weekends. He emphasized the need for sustained crackdowns on drugs and technology scams. All 14 district authorities were instructed to inspect apartments and residential complexes suspected of involvement in such activities.

In this regard, the mayor directed districts to hold meetings and submit action plans to village chiefs and residents to ensure cooperation. He also underscored the need to strengthen enforcement against e-cigarette use in schools, stating that e-cigarettes must be completely eradicated among students.

“Students are like bamboo shoots; they must be carefully cultivated to grow into valuable talents for national development,” he remarked.

Additionally, the Phnom Penh mayor instructed district governments to conduct regular inspections of entertainment venues. These venues must display signage prohibiting e-cigarettes or vaping devices.