Takeo provincial police officers detained two armed drug dealers and a number of their associates on March 29, recovering two handguns and other weapons, along with a quantity of narcotics.

The provincial police reported on April 1 that they attempted to stop two well-known drug dealers, identified as Hai Meng Hang and Mey Mon, for a routine stop in Bati district.

Two men fled, with the officers in hot pursuit. After a short chase, the authorities apprehended Meng Hang. After searching him, they discovered a Glock handgun and several packages of a white crystalline powder, suspected to be an illegal substance. The other suspect, Mey Mon, managed to escape.

During his interrogation, Meng Hang confessed that he carries the firearm for self-defence while transporting and distributing drugs. He claimed that both the narcotics and the pistol were supplied by his superiors in the distribution network.

Later that same day, officers conducted a raid and arrested 14 additional individuals, including Mey Mon. During the operation, they seized more drugs and weapons, including another firearm.

All 15 suspects are currently being questioned at the Takeo Provincial Police headquarters before they are transferred to court.

On the same day, Ministry of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak counselled delinquent youths against ending up in jail during the upcoming Khmer New Year.

He warned that police will be rigorously cracking down on youth gang activities, especially ahead of the upcoming holiday.

Sokhak noted that interior minister Sar Sokha has instructed law enforcement, from the national police level down to commune police administrative posts, to work with local authorities to arrest any delinquent youths who disrupt the lives of the public and cause social disturbances.

"If these groups continue to cause trouble and disturb the lives of citizens, they will face detention, meaning they will be celebrating the New Year behind bars,” he said.

“If they reform their behaviour and act appropriately, they, like other youths, will have the opportunity to join the rest of society and enjoy the New Year festivities, which will feature joyful events across the country,” he added.

Ministry of justice spokesperson Seng Dina reported that in the 16 days from March 16 to March 31, first-instance courts and attached prosecutors nationwide handled 27 cases involving juvenile delinquents. Of the 152 suspects involved, 105 were detained.

Dina urged parents and guardians to monitor, educate and guide their children to follow the right path and steer clear of wrongdoing.