Seven Chinese Nationals Held in Major Sea Bust: 800kg of Drugs, Dozens of Guns Seized

Authorities in Cambodia 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 in the waters off Preah Sihanouk province.

According to the National Police, the operation was carried out on September 23 in the maritime zone near Koh Russei. It 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 seizure came after several days of investigative work that eventually pointed officers toward the suspects.

How the Operation Unfolded

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

Weapons and Ammunition Recovered

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

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

The detained men and all confiscated evidence were handed over to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissariat for further legal action.

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