37-year-old Chhuom Sokvanny, also known as Khlok, was arrested in Battambang town’s Toul Ta Ek commune after a police raid on August 7. Battambang provincial police
Battambang Provincial Court is currently questioning a suspect in connection with over 15,000 methamphetamine (meth) tablets, while Phnom Penh police are interrogating several foreigners following a raid on the GT nightclub on August 10.
In a three-day anti-drug operation, the Battambang provincial police arrested a suspect and seized over 1.5 kilogrammes of meth pills, marked with the “WY” identifier, according to deputy provincial police chief Im Kosal on August 12.
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Kosal reported that the first phase of the operation occurred on the night of August 7, when police cracked down on the illegal storage, transportation and trafficking of drugs in Battambang town’s Toul Ta Ek commune. Police arrested a 37-year-old man identified as Chhuom Sokvanny, also known as Khlok.
During the initial arrest, police confiscated 1,974 pills, one pistol and other related materials. Following this, police conducted further searches and seized an additional 13,991 tablets.
“In both operations, police seized a total of 15,965 WY methamphetamine pills, weighing [approximately 1.572 kilogrammes]. Authorities are continuing their investigation into other targets related to this case,” Kosal said.
He noted the suspect and evidence were sent to court for further action on August 10, and the provincial court is continuing to interrogate the accused.
“The suspect is currently undergoing prosecution proceedings and has not yet been sent to the investigating judge. This case involves the transportation and distribution of drugs. It is a significant case for Battambang, although there have been smaller ones as well,” Kosal added.
Following Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha’s directive giving capital and provincial police one week to plan and implement a crackdown on drug offenses at nightclubs and karaoke parlours in late July, provincial police have been raiding a series of entertainment venues.
Deputy National Police chief and Phnom Penh Municipal Police chief Chuon Narin led a force to raid the GT entertainment club, detaining several foreigners on suspicion of drug offenses on August 10, after targeting the venue in their investigation.
Phnom Penh Municipal Police spokesperson Sam Vichheka stated that police have not yet finished questioning the foreign nationals detained. He was unable to confirm the exact number of detainees, or the number of drugs seized.
“Please wait for specific information after the police complete their investigation. [They] are currently working on it and questioning the Vietnamese and Chinese nationals with the help of translators,” Vichheka said.
Narin briefly commented in a video shared on social media during the operation, indicating that the case involved the distribution and use of illicit substances.
“Targets were already identified before the action was taken, as the expert police work methodically. We do not yet know the exact quantity of drugs, but there is evidence of drug use. I inspected the site and identified a type of ketamine,” he said.
In a separate operation, police in Battambang province also raided a karaoke bar in Doung village of Kamrieng district’s Boeung Reang commune, arresting 17 people and confiscating an unspecified quantity of drugs.
Authorities in other provinces are also conducting investigations and cracking down on offenses at various entertainment venues.
