Three suspects were tried yesterday at Phnom Penh Municipal Court for allegedly selling drugs to undercover police officers last December.

Um Vanna, 44, Him Sothea, 41, and Mak Kimleang, 31, allegedly sold about half a kilogram of methamphetamines to anti-drug police officers in front of the Century Market in Por Sen Chey district’s Kakab commune at about 8pm on December 7, according to presiding judge Chuon Soreasey.

Police reportedly seized an additional 314 grams of methamphetamine from the men after the arrest.

The three pleaded not guilty to the crime and denied that they were drug dealers.

“The drugs seized belonged to a man nicknamed Huoth, and also known as Rith. He’s still at large,” Vanna said during the proceedings. “He promised to give me $100 for handing the drugs to two unknown men. But I was arrested and have not received money from him yet.”

The verdict is scheduled to be handed down on November 12.