Seven Chinese Nationals Held in Major Sea Bust with 800kg of Drugs and Dozens of Guns

Cambodian security forces have detained seven Chinese nationals and confiscated more than 800kg of suspected narcotics, 49 firearms and close to 8,000 rounds of ammunition following a large-scale operation off the coast of Preah Sihanouk province.

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

The action came after several days of investigative groundwork that eventually led officers to the suspects.

How the Operation Unfolded

Authorities first stopped a speedboat carrying two Chinese men. That interception subsequently led officers to halt two vehicles and take five additional Chinese nationals into custody. During the search, police recovered 42 sacks filled with a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine, weighing roughly 840kg in total.

Weapons and Ammunition Seized

Beyond the suspected drugs, officers also seized a substantial cache of weapons, including 10 long firearms, 39 handguns, 108 magazines and 7,937 rounds of ammunition. Three motorcycles were confiscated as well.

The detainees and all seized items were handed over to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissariat, where legal proceedings are set to continue.

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