Cambodia and South Korea Strengthen Joint Customs Operations to Combat Drug Trafficking

PHNOM PENH, 12 February 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia and South Korea have agreed to intensify cooperation between their customs authorities, focusing on joint operations to combat drug trafficking and streamline trade procedures.

The accord was discussed Thursday in Phnom Penh during talks between Kun Nhem, Director General of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), and Lee Myeong-ku, Commissioner of the Korea Customs Service (KCS).

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer law enforcement collaboration, particularly in tackling illicit drug trafficking, cross-border crime, and tax evasion. Customs officers from both countries have already conducted joint operations at Incheon International Airport in South Korea and Techo International Airport in Cambodia, underscoring practical enforcement cooperation.

The meeting highlighted four priority areas: risk management, protection of intellectual property rights, secure and timely information exchange, and the implementation of a cooperation document for joint anti-drug operations in 2026.

Officials agreed to continue modernizing customs procedures, strengthen risk management systems, enhance intellectual property protection, and establish more effective channels for sharing intelligence and statistical data to combat narcotics trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Both delegations praised the strong working relationship between their customs administrations and pledged to expand sustainable, results-oriented bilateral cooperation.