A ROYAL Cambodian Armed Forces officer, who is also the son of the former Siem Reap provincial Chamber of Commerce President Lok Oknha Sin Kong, was released on Tuesday after being detained overnight for allegedly transporting illegally logged timber in Siem Reap.

Deputy Commander of the Siem Reap provincial military police Nhim Sila said Nou Veasna and three of his associates had been detained overnight after they were discovered transporting illegal luxury timber in the Banteay Srey district. He added that police found 27 pieces of Kranhoung, weighing 350 kilograms, packed into the back of Nou Veasna’s Toyota Land Cruiser.

“He was released after he was detained overnight at the Siem Reap provincial police office and fined. He also signed a contract that prevents him from transporting luxury wood in the future,” the deputy commander said, adding that an investigation revealed the suspects were active illegal wood merchants.

Nou Veasna, nor any members of his family, could be reached for comment yesterday.