US briefed over war against drugs

THE president of the National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD), Ke Kim Yan, has asked the US to continue supporting drug rehabilitation programmes and the Kingdom’s anti-drug policies.

Kim Yan made the request when he met with US ambassador Patrick Murphy on Monday at the CambodiaChina Friendship Palace.

The NACD’s Department of Administration and Finance deputy director Suon Khoeun told reporters after the meeting that Kim Yan asked the US to support the Kingdom on its anti-drug policies and drug control mechanisms within international, regional, and sub-regional frameworks.

“Deputy Prime Minister [Ke Kim Yan] also asked the US to review its support for the provision of equipment for drug laboratories ... and proposed further support for drug rehabilitation programmes in Cambodia,” he said.

Kim Yan also informed Murphy of drug trafficking trends by land, waterways, airways, as well as by post.

He told Murphy he appreciated the cooperation between the US and Cambodia, especially in the anti-drug sector through assistance projects.

US embassy spokeswoman Emily Zeeberg could not be reached for comment on Monday.

However, Murphy tweeted on Monday: “Productive meeting this morning with Deputy Prime Minister Kim Yan. We discussed US-Cambodia cooperation on law enforcement issues, including child protection and countering drug trafficking.”

Meas Virith, secretary

We discussed cooperation on law enforcement issues, including countering drugs

general of the NACD’s General Secretariat, said Kim Yan and Murphy shared and exchanged information on the drug situation and put in place mechanisms to improve work between the two countries.

“Concerning the drug situation, [both countries] will work together to destroy organised drug rings,” he said.

Suon Khoeun said Kim Yan told Murphy anti-drug campaigns have been very fruitful.

He said that the crackdowns on drugs are increasing every year and that the authorities have aided over 20,000 drug addicts.