Two police officers have been demoted by the National Police chief for misconduct, according to an announcement by the National Police General Commissariat dated January 2 and obtained by The Post on Sunday.

Pin Sopheak of the anti-economic crime department, and Srey Veasna of the anti-drug department were demoted by National Police chief Neth Savoeun from captain to first lieutenant for breaching “National Police discipline”, the announcement said.

The anti-drug department’s deputy bureau chief In Song said on Sunday that Veasna was found to be inactive and careless in his duty. He frequently ignored assignments from superiors, Song said, citing instances where he failed to fulfil his duties during the Water Festival in late November, as well as the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Kampuchean United Front for National Salvation on December 2.

“He was often absent [from work] and ignored tasks assigned by his superior at the department,” Song added.

In Sopheak’s case, the anti-economic crime department deputy director Phan Sophal said on Sunday that the officer was often absent when assigned to maintain public order and security during major national festivals.