Cambodian court gives harsh sentences to two British men for cannabis trafficking

OG article by Cambodia

February 24, 2026

A Cambodian court convicted two British nationals for smuggling dry marijuana and imposed severe penalties. Robert Brown, aged 41, received a 14-year prison sentence, while Hogg Jordan James, aged 28, was sentenced to 10 years in jail. Both were fined a total of 24 million riels, equivalent to US$6,000. The convictions stemmed from charges of drug use, possession, trafficking, and transport under Cambodia's Law on Drug Control, as ruled by Phnom Penh Municipal Court. The men were arrested by anti-drug police on June 17, 2025, at Phnom Penh International Airport for attempting to transport 19.9 kg of marijuana from Cambodia to Britain. Authorities believe the marijuana originated from Thailand. The verdict was delivered on February 24, 2026, and the convicts have one month to appeal under Cambodian law. The case highlights strict enforcement of drug trafficking laws in the region, with significant prison terms for international smuggling attempts involving cannabis.