Cambodian authorities have detained seven Chinese men and confiscated more than 800kg of suspected narcotics, along with 49 weapons and nearly 8,000 rounds of ammunition, during a major raid carried out in the waters of Preah Sihanouk province.

The National Police said the operation took place on September 23 near Koh Russei in the province's maritime zone. It was led by Touch Poleak, head of the Water Border Police Department, with support from the Maritime Crime Suppression Unit and the 240th Water Border Police Battalion based in the province.

The raid came after several days of surveillance that guided officers toward the suspects.

Chain of arrests

Authorities first stopped a speedboat carrying two Chinese men. That interception then led them to two vehicles, where five more Chinese nationals were taken into custody. In total, officers recovered 42 sacks of a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine, weighing roughly 840kg.

Beyond the suspected drugs, the haul included 10 long firearms, 39 handguns, 108 magazines and 7,937 rounds of ammunition, as well as three motorcycles.

Both the suspects and the seized evidence were handed over to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police Commissariat, where legal proceedings are continuing.

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