Seven Chinese Nationals Detained Off Preah Sihanouk Coast with 800kg of Suspected Drugs and Dozens of Weapons

Authorities in Cambodia have taken seven Chinese nationals into custody and confiscated over 800kg of what is believed to be narcotics, along with 49 firearms and close to 8,000 rounds of ammunition, following a large-scale operation in the waters off Preah Sihanouk province.

According to the National Police, the seizure was carried out on September 23 in the maritime zone near Koh Russei. The mission was directed by Touch Poleak, who heads the Water Border Police Department, and involved personnel from the Maritime Crime Suppression Unit as well as the 240th Water Border Police Battalion stationed in the province.

Days of Investigation Led to the Arrests

The bust came after several days of investigative work that ultimately pointed officers toward the suspects. The operation began when authorities stopped a speedboat carrying two Chinese men. That interception then led officers to two vehicles, resulting in the arrest of five additional Chinese nationals.

Extensive Haul of Drugs and Weapons

Officers recovered 42 sacks filled with a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine, weighing roughly 840kg in total. Alongside the suspected drugs, they also seized a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition.

• 10 long firearms
• 39 handguns
• 108 magazines
• 7,937 rounds of ammunition
• Three motorcycles

The detained men and all confiscated items were handed over to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissariat, where legal proceedings are set to continue.

Officials have not disclosed where the suspected drugs or weapons originated, nor where they were intended to be delivered.