Seven Chinese Nationals Held After Seizure of 800kg of Drugs and Dozens of Guns off Preah Sihanouk

Authorities in Cambodia have detained seven Chinese nationals and confiscated more than 800kg of suspected narcotics, 49 firearms and nearly 8,000 rounds of ammunition following a large-scale operation in waters off Preah Sihanouk province.

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

The bust came after several days of investigative work that eventually led officers to the suspects.

How the Operation Unfolded

Officers first stopped a speedboat carrying two Chinese men. That interception led them to two vehicles and the arrest of five additional Chinese nationals. In total, authorities recovered 42 sacks filled with a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine, weighing roughly 840kg.

Beyond the suspected drugs, officers also seized a substantial cache of weapons and equipment, including:

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

The suspects were reported to be holding thousands of rounds of ammunition together with spare magazines.

Next Steps

The detained men, along with the seized evidence, were handed over to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissariat for continued legal proceedings.

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