Kandal provincial police are hunting for four fugitives still at large after escaping from prison on the night of January 9. A fifth escapee has been re-arrested.

Provincial deputy police chief Chhun Sinat said on January 10 that police and local authorities were actively searching for the missing four and would return them to prison.

“According to a report from the provincial prison, the group of four were charged by the provincial court with drug trafficking and theft with aggravating circumstances,” he said.

Sinat said a man named Chhom Simy was apprehended shortly after he managed to escape from the prison. He was originally arrested on January 4 for possession of illegal drugs.

The four others were identified as No Mesa and Nang Chhiek Leang who were arrested on January 1, and Run Pov and Seng Suon Huong who were arrested on January 4.

Provincial prison chief Chat Sineang could not be reached for comment.

General Department of Prisons spokesman Nuth Savna declined to provide details, citing an ongoing investigation.

“Our police are now questioning the one who was arrested and returned to prison. Some prison guards have also been questioned regarding the incident,” he said.