POLICE in Preah Sihanouk province say they have apprehended a “famous” local drug dealer after a sting operation in which he was found to be carrying 3,200 amphetamine pills.

Deputy provincial police chief Cho Heang said the 57-year-old man was apprehended on Monday night after he attempted to sell the pills in a public garden close to Sihanoukville Autonomous Port.

“His name is Sat Buntouy, and he is famous for drug trafficking in Sihanoukville,” he said. Cho Heang said police had observed him selling drugs in the port area prior to his arrest.

“We found 16 packs of amphetamines equalling 3,200 pills on his person. Now we have detained him for 48 hours to conduct more investigations and collect proof for the court,” he said, and added that police had the right to hold him for 48 hours before sending him to provincial court.