A man suspected of trafficking drugs was wounded after he exchanged gunfire with police in Kandal province on November 10.

The suspect, who was armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and shot in the leg during the raid, is being treated at the Chey Chumneas Referral Hospital in Kandal province’s Takhmao town.

Provincial police chief Chhoeun Sochet told The Post on November 12 the suspect was under strict police guard.

More than 100 police officers took part in the arrests of the 27-year-old.

His wife and two daughters were also present at the house in Thkol village, in Sa’ang district’s Troeuy Sla commune.

Sochet led his forces to the house at around 2pm on November 10 but did not detain him until the early hours of November 11. The man shot 20 rounds at the police who fired back until he was hit.

“We tried not to exchange fire with the suspect but were forced to do so in self-defence,” he said.

Commune police chief Puy Try said police were able to arrest the man once he was shot.

“The suspect’s mother begged him until she was able to take away the rifle and handed it to police,” he said.

According to a provincial police report, police seized evidence including the AK-47 rifle, 15 bullets, 11 bullet casings and a magazine in the raid.