Human Trafficking and Crime Remain Despite Successes: PM
A Cambodian police official stands guard near a burning pile of drugs during a destruction ceremony to mark the UN's "International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking" in Phnom Penh on June 26, 2022. Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP
- By Meng Seavmey
- May 16, 2023 1:59 PM
PHNOM PENH – Security and social order still face problems with transnational and domestic crimes and drugs crimes, Prime Minister Hun Sen has told the National Police Forces.
Problem areas include cybercrimes and labor and other forms of human trafficking, especially of women and children.
Protecting security and keeping social order are heavy responsibilities that demand the national armed forces to be capable but the results of force crackdowns had been positive, he said.
The PM made the remarks on May 16 in a letter to the National Police Forces during the 78th anniversary of their establishment in 1945.
Extremist groups were taking the opportunity to prepare for important events such as the current SEA Games and the upcoming 7th mandate election, he said.
“Certainly, this work is a heavy responsibility and a complicated task that requires the national armed forces to have the ability and high quality to solve these challenging problems for the country’s security and prosperity of the people,” he added.
Hun Sen praised the armed forces’ efforts to crack down on terrorism and transnational crimes in a timely manner and protect internal security.
He said the results of fighting drug crime, human trafficking, labour trafficking and gambling had been positive.
In 2022, the police cracked down on 166 human trafficking cases, down on 2021 when there were 359 cases, and 202 suspects were sent to court. Of those charged, 33 were foreigners, permanent vice-chair of the National Committee on Counter-Trafficking Chou Bun Eng said in March.
