Techo: 3rd Foreigner Arrested in 6 Days with 186 g of Methamphetamine

• 186 grams seized. 19 packets of suspected methamphetamine found on a foreign passenger at the departure terminal.
• September 8, 2026. Date of the interception at Techo International Airport, near Phnom Penh.
• Third case in six days. Two other foreigners had already been arrested at the same terminal the previous week.
• Departure terminal. Checks are focused on international flights at the time of boarding.
• Legal response. The passenger was handed over to the competent authorities for investigation and prosecution.

The case is part of a short and unusual sequence of three foreigner arrests in six days at Techo's departure terminal.

1. Early September 2026: customs checks are reinforced at the departure terminal of Techo International Airport.
2. First days of September: a first foreigner is intercepted with suspected narcotics.
3. Midweek: a second foreigner is arrested under similar circumstances.
4. September 8, 2026: a third foreign passenger is stopped with 19 packets of suspected methamphetamine weighing 186 grams.
5. Immediately after: the seizure is documented and the suspect handed over to authorities for investigation.
6. Following days: the information is shared through expat channels, confirming the trend of increased searches.
7. Upcoming: continuation of legal proceedings and likely maintenance of a high level of checks at the departure terminal.

The three arrests recorded in six days share several common characteristics at Techo's departure terminal.

• Traveling via Techo now involves more systematic checks, including on carry-on and checked baggage.
• Expats living in Siem Reap who transit through Phnom Penh should allow extra time before boarding.
• The zero-tolerance stance shown by Cambodian authorities makes any transport of narcotics extremely risky from a criminal standpoint.
• Residents should verify that no item or package entrusted by a third party contains prohibited substances before departure.
• Vigilance also applies to packages received or sent: checks may cover freight and postal shipments.

1. Step 1: never agree to carry a package, bag, or document for a third party, even an acquaintance.
2. Step 2: personally check the contents of your luggage before every departure, including inner pockets.
3. Step 3: arrive earlier at Techo Airport to absorb additional checks at the departure terminal.
4. Step 4: keep a copy of your passport, visa, and proof of stay with you.
5. Step 5: refuse any offer of paid transport of unidentified goods.
6. Step 6: if stopped, stay calm, answer factually, and request assistance from your consulate if necessary.
7. Step 7: stay informed via official channels and reliable expat groups about changes in checks.