The chief of Kampot province’s army intelligence office was arrested yesterday morning after more than four tonnes of valuable timber was found on plot of land belonging to him.

Military police spokesman Kheng Tito confirmed yesterday that the force had arrested Lim Chhavrath in relation to a suspected forestry crime, in accordance with a court warrant.

The intelligence chief was taken to the headquarters of Kampot’s military police for questioning yesterday before being sent to court.

Kampot provincial court prosecutor Chhum Samban questioned the suspect yesterday afternoon, added deputy commander of Kampot provincial military police Siek Eang.

“We investigated for a long time. We arrested with evidence, witnesses and proper proof,” said Kheng Tito.

He has been detained in prison pending further investigation into his actions.

The arrest came after national military police searched a plot of land belonging to Lim Chhavrath in Kampot province’s Chhouk district on Friday.

A total of 4.215 tonnes of valuable Kranhung wood was uncovered on the land.

It is believed it was hidden there illegally.