Cambodian authorities 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 seizure was carried out on September 23 near Koh Russei, within Preah Sihanouk's maritime zone. Touch Poleak, director of the Water Border Police Department, oversaw the operation, which drew on personnel from the Maritime Crime Suppression Unit and the 240th Water Border Police Battalion, both based in the province.

The bust 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. During the raid, authorities 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, investigators recovered a substantial cache of weapons and equipment, including:

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

The suspects and the seized 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.