A military police officer was arrested yesterday morning after allegedly obstructing Siem Reap Forestry Administration officials pursuing rosewood smugglers.

Banteay Srey district Forestry Administration (FA) chief Mong Bunlim said his officers apprehended Kampong Thom military policeman Seng Bunteng after he allegedly blocked their path with his vehicle as they pursued the smugglers, allowing them to get away.

Provincial FA chief Tea Kimsoth said that Bunteng was silent for the majority of his interrogation at the Banteay Srey district forestry office.

“We asked him many questions, but he said nothing other than that he did not want our officials to overtake his car,” Kimsoth said, adding that Bunteng had been sent to the Siem Reap Provincial Court for further questioning.

Kampong Thom provincial military police commander Hang Thold could not be reached for comment yesterday.

National military police spokesman Eng Hy yesterday said that Bunteng’s career could be over.

“He has to be punished according to the law and might face dismissal from the military police,” Hy said.