Tuesday, 24 March 2009

Three-month drug investigation ends in raids of three labs

The Phnom Penh Post

Written by Chhay Channyda
Tuesday, 24 March 2009

More than two tonnes of illicit chemicals seized during weekend raids in Kampong Cham province and Phnom Penh.

THREE drug laboratories were raided by drug police over the weekend, leading to four arrests and the seizure of more than 2 tonnes of illicit chemicals, officials said Monday.

The raids, one in Kampong Cham province and two in Phnom Penh, marked the culmination of a three-month investigation into a network of suspected traffickers, officials said.

"It is a great result after having investigated these labs for months, and we will continue to track other associated labs," said Moek Dara, director of the Anti-Drug Department at the Ministry of Interior.

A house in Kong Meas district, Kampong Cham province, was raided Saturday, leading to the arrest of Sieng Lonh, who was in possession of over 2 tonnes of chemicals.

The next day, police and local authorities raided two other locations, in Phnom Penh's Russey Keo district and Tuol Sangke commune, where a Cambodian woman, Khun Sam, and two Chinese men, Yao Sao Ying and Mi Yang, were arrested.

"We know there are more drug labs in other places to be raided," Moek Dara said, adding that drug-processing equipment was also confiscated in the raids, though it had not yet been set up for production.

Phnom Penh Municipal Court Prosecutor Sok Roeun said the four suspects were sent to the court Monday.

So far this year police have arrested "hundreds" of criminals for drug-related crimes as part of a crackdown on illicit substances, Moek Dara said.

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