The ceremony for the completion of drug rehabilitation and vocational training for 166 individuals at the Ke Sinoun Drug Rehabilitation Centre on July 4 in Battambang province. Sar Sokha via social media
A total of 500 drug addicts have been treated, received vocational training and allowed to return home after being sent to Ke Sinoun Rehabilitation Centre in Battambang province.
Since its official opening on August 2, 2023, the centre has sent recovered addicts home on four occasions. Of these, the first three groups totalled 334 people, according to a statement from the centre.
On July 4, the facility concluded its fourth round of vocational training for 166 drug victims in Sdao village of Ratanak Mondul district’s Sdao commune with 166 graduates. The ceremony was presided over by Minister of Interior Sar Sokha.
According to the centre, the facility has received a total of 1,115 drug victims, including 61 women. Patients undergo three mandatory tests, all of which must be passed. After being assessed as capable of integrating back into society, they receive a certificate of completion for the vocational training programme.
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The facility provides three types of services: rehabilitation and treatment, life skills education and vocational training. The training includes car maintenance, electrical wiring installation, computer services and repair, food and vegetable processing, veterinary services, fish farming techniques, air conditioner repair, civil engineering skills and hairdressing and salon services, the statement added.
At the event, Sokha highlighted that recovery from drug addiction, coupled with acquiring vocational skills, is a significant success for the victims.
“And this success is also a source of incomparable joy for parents, spouses, children and relatives,” he said.
He advised the individuals to remain vigilant and avoid relapsing into addiction.
In the first four months of 2024, authorities in Battambang cracked down on 324 drug-related offenses, detaining 565 suspects. Of these, 227 cases involved trafficking, with 462 suspects arrested. The remaining 97 cases involved drug use, with 103 victims sent to rehabilitation centres.
During the crackdown, authorities seized evidence including over 11kg of drugs, 144 motorcycles, seven cars, 338 mobile phones, two handguns with 18 bullets, one rifle, one knife, four axes, a laptop and one passport.
In addition, the provincial administration also conducted urine tests on 2,715 civil servants, finding 13 positive results.
