Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday heard the case against a man accused of importing, exporting and stockpiling chemicals used in the manufacture of illegal drugs.

Siek Cheng, 35, was arrested on April 4 in Tuol Kork district’s Chraing Chamresh commune after police searched his home and found 30 litres of acids allegedly used in the manufacturing of drugs.

During the hearing yesterday, presiding judge Sin Visal said the suspect was facing charges of illegal drug smuggling and stockpiling drug substances.

“Importing and exporting drugs is a very serious charge and is prohibited in Cambodia,” he said. “We will not pardon those who have committed such crimes in this country.”

Defence lawyer Lim Hong rejected the charges against his client.

“According to police investigations, results have shown that this amount of acid did not contain any chemicals for drugs, and my client was not involved,” he said. “I request that the court drop the charges and free my client.”

Sin Visal said a verdict will be announced on December 17.