Login Register

Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Anti-drug officers land in court for trafficking

Anti-drug officers land in court for trafficking

| Publication date 01 May 2022 | 21:04 ICT

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
The two Military Police officers arrested for alleged involvement in drug trafficking in Siem Reap on Saturday. RCAF

Anti-drug officers land in court for trafficking

The Siem Reap Provincial Court has placed two Military Police officers in pre-trial detention after their arrests on Saturday in connection with covering up drug trafficking and illegally detaining people.

Court spokesman Yin Sreang identified the suspects as Theav Chandara, 52, the director of the Siem Reap Provincial Anti-Drug Bureau and one of his aides Meam Nak, 28, who was also arrested and sent to court on April 30 for his involvement in drug trafficking. The two have been charges on various counts under the Criminal Code and the anti-drug law.

“The two suspects were remanded in custody by Investigating Judge Suon Surasy. Chandara was charged with criminal offences on four counts: concealment of clues under Article 532, failure by a public [law enforcement] official to press criminal charges under Article 528, and illegal detention under Article 253 – all under the Criminal Code. The fourth count is illegal possession of drugs under Article 40 of the Law on Drug Control.

“His accomplice Nak was charged on two counts: theft under Article 356 and failure by a public [law enforcement] official to bring criminal charges under Article 528 of the Criminal Code.” He added.

If found guilty, Chandara and Nak face several years in prison, and fines.

Sao Sokha, Deputy Commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Commander of the National Military Police, said the arrest of the two Military Police officials came after an investigation discovered their involvement in drug crimes.

“As judicial officers working in the anti-drug bureau, they committed crimes while on duty and conspired with drug traffickers, so there is no question that they must face the full extent of the law,” he said.

According to Sokha, the RCAF has strictly enforced discipline on misconduct by any of its officers.

“For Military Police officers, we have a slogan. We should be like a compass which shows the way for the nation to work together. We must provide good examples for the people we protect, so they we are respected. Naturally, all crime must be suppressed.” He added

Contact author: Khouth Sophak Chakrya

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

Related articles