Two Westerners charged with stealing nearly $2,000 worth of cigarettes from a shopping mall over the course of two weeks could spend up to three years in prison if found guilty.

American national Jeffrey Alan Adams, 51, and Dutchman Johan Becker stand accused of swiping more than 170 cartons (containing 1,700 packs holding 34,000 cigarettes) from Paragon Supermarket in the capital’s Daun Penh district between February 20 and March 2.

In addition to possible prison time, defendants are on the line for nearly $5,000 s – $1,963 to cover the value of the cigarettes stolen and $3,000 in additional compensation.

Police took Adams into custody at his rental house on March 8, while Becker was arrested at the scene of the alleged crime the day before. Both remain in Prey Sar prison.

Prosecutors played security footage allegedly showing the duo stealing cigarette cartons. Becker admitted to theft, but said he only took six cartons. A verdict is due on July 31.