A man appeared in Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday to stand trial for possessing an illegal weapon that he allegedly bought from a bodyguard of a high-ranking government official.

The firearms charge was one of a number of crimes Heng Seng, 32, faced, presiding judge Seng Neang said.

Heng and five others, including two teenage boys, faced a number of charges relating to possessing, using and trafficking drugs in Phnom Penh in January.

Heng Sim, 25; Oum Vanny, 17; Sok Anann, 16; Sovann Sithika, 23; and Kong Liza, 22, were tried on drug use, possession and trafficking charges.

“Vanny and Anann were arrested while they were transporting drugs … from Heng Seng and Heng Sim for sale … on January 8,” Neang said, adding police confiscated methamphetamine during the arrest.

The other four were arrested at a rental property in Tuol Kork district the next day. Police allege they seized more drugs at that time.

A verdict is due on September 12.