Anti-Drug Department officers observe a demonstration of drug sniffing canine units. Anti-drug department
Cambodia has begun employing drug dogs, as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to tackle the increasingly complex and dangerous drug challenges facing the world.
On Wednesday, June 18, Lieutenant General Khoeng Sarath, director of the Anti-Drug Department, met with the canine unit and observed the drug-sniffing capabilities of five dogs at the Special Intervention Unit, located in Prek Eng commune, in Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov district.
The drug-detection dogs, trained by the Cambodian Mine Action Center (CMAC), will be used in cooperation with the Special Intervention Unit to increase the efficiency of drug crime prevention and suppression efforts in Cambodia.
“The drug situation both internationally and regionally continues to evolve in complex and dangerous ways, which is a serious concern. Therefore, it is essential for all officers to strengthen cooperation and increase the effectiveness of prevention, control and suppression of drug-related crimes,” Sarath noted.
During his visit, Sarath advised the canine handlers to properly care for the dogs, including their health, nutrition and regular training, to maintain high detection capability and support future operations.
He also provided financial support to the dog-handling team — 100,000 riel (about $25) each for 10 dog care officers and 50,000 riel (about $12.50) each for 10 special intervention officers involved in dog handling.
In January 2025, the National Police and CMAC signed an MoU on cooperation in canine technical training and the provision of dogs, as well as in demining and explosive ordnance disposal work.
National Police Chief General Sar Thet stated that this collaboration was initiated under the guidance of Minister of Interior Sar Sokha to promote closer cooperation between the two institutions in canine training and improve national security and public order, for both domestic and international stakeholders.
Twenty anti-drug officers of the national police completed a dog training course at the CMAC Technical Institute in Kampong Chhnang province, qualifying them as certified handlers. Upon the completion of the course on June 11, CMAC donated 10 drug-sniffing dogs to the National Police.
CMAC director-general Heng Ratana, highlighted the seventh-mandate government’s commitment to the war on drugs.
CMAC has the capability to train and deploy dogs for a variety of tasks, including mine detection, peacekeeping, tracking and drug detection.
“In the spirit of ‘Khmer Can Do’, Cambodia has the capacity, talent and experience to breed and train dogs for government and public service needs. Today, CMAC even supplies specialised mine action dogs internationally,” said Ratana.
In the first five months of 2025, over two tonnes of narcotics and chemical precursors were seized in 4,134 drug-related cases. A total of 10,765 suspects were arrested, including 862 women.
