A foreign national was arrested at Phnom Penh’s Techo International Airport on Sunday after authorities discovered nearly 28 kilogrammes of dried marijuana concealed inside two suitcases. The passenger was detained at the departure terminal while preparing to leave Cambodia, following an inspection involving customs and excise officials and immigration police.
Officials found 28 packages containing a total of 27.940 kilogrammes of dried marijuana. The case was subsequently transferred to the Anti Narcotics Department for further action under Cambodia’s legal procedures.
“The arrest highlights the continued scrutiny of passengers and baggage at Cambodia’s international airports, particularly in cases involving prohibited substances. Customs and excise officials, working with immigration police, intercepted a foreign passenger at Techo International Airport after discovering 28 packages of dried marijuana hidden inside two suitcases. The seized substance weighed 27.940 kilogrammes. Following preliminary procedures and the preparation of a report on customs violations, authorities handed the suspect, evidence and related materials to the Anti Narcotics Department. The department will now handle the case according to legal procedures. The incident also underscores the importance of compliance with Cambodia’s laws for travellers entering or departing the country.”
Airport Authorities Intercept Suspect Before Departure
The arrest took place at the departure terminal of Techo International Airport as the foreign passenger was preparing to leave Cambodia. Customs and excise officials worked alongside immigration police to inspect the passenger and baggage before the departure.
During the operation, officials discovered two suitcases containing 28 packages of dried marijuana. The total weight was recorded at 27.940 kilogrammes, making the seizure a significant drug enforcement case at one of Cambodia’s key international travel gateways.
Case Sent to Anti Narcotics Department
After the discovery, authorities completed preliminary procedures and prepared a report concerning the customs violations. The suspect, seized marijuana and other relevant materials were then transferred to the Anti Narcotics Department.
The department is responsible for continuing the case in accordance with legal procedures. The transfer allows the relevant authorities to conduct the next stages of the investigation and legal process based on the evidence collected during the airport operation.
For international travellers and businesses operating in Cambodia’s travel and logistics sectors, the case is also a reminder that airport security and customs controls remain an important part of cross border travel. Travellers should understand Cambodia’s laws concerning restricted and prohibited substances before entering or leaving the country.
A Reminder for International Travellers
The seizure at Techo International Airport demonstrates the importance of compliance with Cambodian regulations when transporting personal belongings across international borders. What may appear to be ordinary luggage can be subject to inspection by customs, immigration and other relevant authorities.
As Cambodia continues to expand its international air connectivity and develop Techo International Airport as a major gateway, effective customs and security enforcement remains important for maintaining safe and orderly international travel. The latest arrest shows that passengers departing Cambodia remain subject to scrutiny when authorities identify potential violations.
The case now rests with the Anti Narcotics Department, which will proceed according to Cambodian law. For travellers, the central lesson is straightforward: knowing and following local regulations is essential when carrying goods across international borders.