WEAPONS have gone missing from government warehouses over the past few months,

undermining a new initiative to get firearms off the streets, a top security

official said on July 29.

Co-Minister of Interior Sar Kheng raised the

issue at the ceremony to destroy more than 4,000 guns, including AK-47 and M-16

automatic rifles confiscated or turned in over the last three

months.

According to report ,which was quoted by the Cambodia Daily

newspaper, he said: "Many new guns from warehouses are being sold at markets.

"I ask Phnom Penh authority and those involved to solve this

immediately. If we do not take care of this, then even though we collect weapons

from the people, crime will increase."