Minister of Interior Sar Sokha has issued a strongly worded reminder to prison officers across the country that they must conduct stricter checks on the use of phones, money transfers abroad and drug trading inside prisons. The Kingdom’s prisons are currently home to more than 55,000 inmates.

As he addressed the March 12 closing ceremony of the 2024 annual conference of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), he emphasised that prisons are currently in a critically overcrowded situation. Of the more than 55,000 inmates, 30 to 40 per cent are being held for drug-related cases.

“The minister has instructed prison officers nationwide to reassess the permission of drug trading and other illegal activities in prisons. In the recent past, some prisons have allowed prisoners to use phones send money abroad using prepaid cards and even engage in drug trading,” said the National Police, via their website.

Sokha confirmed that the ministry will take strict disciplinary action against any officers who are involved in criminal activities, especially those involving drugs, stating that they will be “treated harshly with no tolerance — no more rehabilitation, no more treatment”.

Neth Savoeun, head of the NACD, announced a firm stance on eliminating drug trafficking and the use of narcotics at entertainment venues and clubs this year.

“This year, we are committed to completely eradicating drug trafficking and use at entertainment venues and clubs. At this point, we do not care who owns a venue. Whoever is involved will face action,” he said.