Heroin is known to transit Cambodia from the Golden Triangle to countries in the region, to Europe, and to the United States. Opium almost certainly transits Cambodia from Laos to Thailand. Cannabis grown in Cambodia is shipped to Thailand. A comprehensive picture of trafficking activity is still not available, but increasing information about the drug trade suggests that heroin trafficking is a serious concern, especially in light of the high volume of drug trafficking in the region, the relative weakness of law enforcement institutions and the lack of an effective criminal justice system and anti-narcotics laws. Government authorities do not believe that domestic opiate use is a major problem.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that narcotics use by foreigners has increased.
Abuse of pharmaceutical drugs, which are not presently regulated in an effective manner, is common. There are no government demand reduction programs in place in Cambodia, but Cambodian officials have requested information to educate Cambodians about the danger of drug use. DEA agents visit Cambodia periodically to consult with Cambodian anti-narcotics forces and provide customized training. Until the US-financed drug testing laboratory can be set up, the US assists in drug identification through DEA laboratories in the United States, but this is a slow and cumbersome procedure. The US provided comments on anti-narcotics legislation and its money laundering provisions.