Former two-star generals Lay Virak and Khoun Roeun and two accomplices were sent to Prey Sar prison yesterday after appearing in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for questioning related to their drug trafficking charges.

Presiding Judge Sieng Sok said the pair and their accomplices, Cheang Chhunly and Soun Seila, had been charged with drug trafficking and use of illegal weapons  –  after they were found with about 1 kilogram of crystal methamphetamine and AK47s on Monday.

In court, the two-star generals  – both senior defence advisers – remained silent, but Lay Virak’s sister Lay Vary testified in support of her brother. “His character is good; I do not believe that he acted like this. I know my brother’s character,” she said.

The four defendants and their lawyers could not be reached for comment.