Cambodia Border Authorities Investigate 50 Bags of Dried Cannabis Smuggled by Thai Soldiers

In Kamrieng District, Battambang Province, western Cambodia, local authorities have launched an investigation after discovering 50 bags of dried cannabis that Thai soldiers allegedly attempted to smuggle by concealing them within the luggage of returning Cambodian migrant workers. The incident occurred around September 20th near a border checkpoint in Kamrieng District. According to Mr. Vey Kimchot, Chief of Kamrieng District Police, a joint unit of border police and military inspected the belongings of over 20 Cambodian migrant workers returning from Thailand. During the inspection, they discovered a suspicious cardboard box. Upon opening it, they found 50 bags of dried cannabis, neatly packaged. However, the owner of the contraband could not be identified at the scene. Authorities questioned dozens of workers but failed to obtain any information regarding the cannabis owner. Subsequently, the seized cannabis and the workers were transferred to the specialized department of the Kamrieng District Police for further questioning and investigation. Mr. Vey Kimchot stated that after the questioning, the over 20 workers were permitted to return to their hometowns with approval from higher authorities. The 50 bags of cannabis will be handed over to the specialized department for continued investigation. Reports indicate that the cardboard box was delivered by Thai soldiers along with the belongings of the Cambodian workers. The workers were first handed over to the Cambodian side by the Thai side, followed by the delivery of their luggage. Such illicit activities by Thai soldiers are pointed out as malicious tactics in collusion with corrupt Cambodian individuals to attempt smuggling of illegal goods. Furthermore, on September 19th, there were reports that among 6 Cambodian migrant workers handed over by the Thai side, there was the body of one woman and one severely injured man. The discovery of dried cannabis the following day, September 20th, suggests the rampant nature of illegal cross-border activities. Source: Koh Santep Khmer