Cambodia: Automatic Rifle Seized in Poacher Arrest, Gun Source Under Investigation

Authorities are intensifying their investigation into the source of firearms following the arrest of two individuals on suspicion of poaching in Cambodia's northeastern Mondulkiri province, where an AK-47 assault rifle was seized. The incident occurred around 9:35 AM on July 26, 2026, when a ranger patrol from the Sre Pok Wildlife Sanctuary encountered four suspects on three motorcycles in the O'Ang Haeung area, near Pou La Bet village, Krang Teah commune, Pechda district. While two suspects managed to escape, two were apprehended: Kves Nan, 51, a Bunong ethnic minority from Krang Teah village, and Sophy Sot, 48, also from Krang Teah village. During the search, authorities confiscated an AK-47 assault rifle (serial number 17273790) with a sight, eight bullets, two mobile phones (Redmi and Honor), and a fish-stunning device. Under interrogation, Sophy Sot confessed that he purchased the eight bullets in June 2026 for 48,000 Riel from a woman identified as R.R.N., who resides in Pou Teat village, Bousra commune, Pechda district, and operates a car wash and shop in front of her house. Upon visiting R.R.N.'s location with her consent for inspection and questioning, she vehemently denied knowing or trading any firearms or ammunition with Sophy Sot. She stated she is a farmer and runs a car wash and shop, refuting any accusations of selling used vehicles or general merchandise. Authorities arranged a confrontation between Sophy Sot and R.R.N. Sophy Sot maintained his claim of purchasing the bullets from her, but lacked any evidence. R.R.N. continued to firmly deny ever meeting or knowing Sophy Sot, dismissing the accusations as baseless. Based on the inspection and questioning, no evidence has been found to link R.R.N. to the alleged ammunition trafficking. The authorities have provided R.R.N. with additional education and guidance on the law concerning the control of firearms, explosives, and ammunition. Meanwhile, Sophy Sot and his accomplices have had their case file compiled by the Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Environment and submitted to the provincial court for legal proceedings. However, the report does not yet specify the origin of the seized AK-47 assault rifle, leaving the suspects' source of the weapon unconfirmed. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer