Phnom Penh: The National Authority for Combating Drugs (NACD) in this 7th-mandate Royal Government of Cambodia has prioritized education and dissemination as the key basis for combating drugs, said H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information and head of the education and dissemination sub-commission of the anti-illicit drug campaign. While presiding over the opening ceremony of a Workshop on the Role of Journalists in Combating Drugs, held this afternoon at the Ministry of Information, H.E. Neth Pheaktra explained that education and dissemination will inspire people to stay away from drugs and take part in combating drugs.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, journalists have been identified as key contributors in spreading the message to say ‘No’ to drugs, thereby helping to prevent this global issue. H.E. Neth Pheaktra highlighted that the Royal Government of Cambodia is implementing new measures to combat drugs, including the launch of an online app called ‘No Drug’. Since its introduction in late April,
approximately 40,000 individuals have subscribed to the app. The app allows users to send anonymous tips about suspected cases of illicit drugs, with around 500 cases reported so far, more than half of which have been successfully prevented or cracked down upon.

H.E. Neth Pheaktra also discussed the Royal Government’s strict ‘No Exception’ policy, which mandates all civil servants and armed forces to undergo rapid urine drug tests. According to an NACD report, nearly 20,000 civil servants and armed forces members have been tested, with 98 individuals found positive for drug use. Consequently, 94 of these individuals have been dismissed, while procedures are ongoing for three others, and one individual is under monitoring.