Vape Seizure and Arrests in Phnom Penh
Authorities in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, seized over 2,000 vapes in a raid in the Toul Kork district and arrested two individuals suspected of being distributors.
Key Points at a Glance
-
Location: Toul Kork District, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
-
Quantity Seized: 769 vapes and 1,930 accessories; over 2,000 items in total
-
Individuals Involved: Two suspected distributors arrested
-
Law Enforcement Collaboration: Phnom Penh Gendarmerie Anti-Drug Department and Toul Kork District Gendarmerie forces, with the involvement of a Deputy Prosecutor from the Phnom Penh Municipal Court
-
Regulations and Penalties: Regulations signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet in October 2025 allow for written warnings, license revocation, or suspension for distributing, selling, or advertising vapes
Details of the Toul Kork Raid
January 13, 2026 – According to Kiripost, authorities in Phnom Penh conducted a raid in the Toul Kork district, seizing more than 2,000 vapes and arresting two individuals suspected of acting as distributors. Health advocates warned that inconsistent enforcement weakens Cambodia’s efforts to combat illegal vapes and shisha.
Law Enforcement Operation and Seizures
The Phnom Penh Gendarmerie stated that on January 9, local law enforcement officers carried out the operation, arresting two people and seizing 769 vapes along with 1,930 accessories.
Government Measures and Enforcement Efforts
The Gendarmerie explained that the operation was carried out in line with recent government measures aimed at prohibiting the import, distribution, advertising, and use of vapes and shisha to protect public health. Authorities emphasized that the Phnom Penh Gendarmerie continues to strictly enforce the Prime Minister’s orders and actively prevent and combat vape-related activities.
Legal Framework and Penalties
The report cited the “Regulations on Prohibiting Electronic Devices and Chemicals Used for Smoking and Shisha,” signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet in October 2025. The regulations state that individuals who distribute, sell, or advertise vapes, chemical smoking products, or shisha may face penalties including written warnings, license revocation, or suspension.
Concerns Over Inconsistent Enforcement
Mom Kong, executive director of the Cambodian Movement for Health (CMH), told Kiripost that this was not the first vape and shisha seizure conducted by authorities. However, he noted that inconsistent enforcement against offenders has reduced the effectiveness of the crackdown, allowing vape sales to continue.
Impact on Youth Vape Use
He added that previous arrests and seizures lacked continuity, and when enforcement efforts were paused, vape advertising and sales increased. This, he warned, has contributed to a rise in vape use among Cambodian youth.
