Military police in Tbong Khmum province have arrested four inmates for allegedly dealing drugs in Trapaing Phlong Prison in Ponhea Krek district, officials said yesterday.

Tbong Khmum provincial justice department director Chuon Phally said yesterday that after becoming suspicious that drugs were being trafficked within the prison, authorities sent in an undercover agent to observe prisoners earlier this month.

On February 13, based on information from the agent, authorities arrested two prisoners for allegedly trafficking drugs, then arrested two more based on their interrogations on February 15.

“The [arrested] prisoners have committed serious criminal offences, such as robbery, murder, terrorism; in short, they were sentenced to 15 years to 55 years,” he said.

Police seized some 40 grams of methamphetamine from the suspects, whom Phally identified as Ek Bunly, 55; Bun Try, 45; Keo Ven, 33; and Keo Jin, 40.

Under the Kingdom’s anti-drug law, the suspects could face sentences of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 20 million riel (about $5,000).

Provincial prosecutor Heang Sopheak said he charged the four with illegal drug distribution and consumption, and sent them to Kampong Cham Provincial Prison to await trial.

Pha Rith, deputy chief of Trapaing Phlong prison, declined to comment on the case yesterday, saying “don’t ask about drugs, we have measures to prevent it”.