Cambodia Seizes 7 Tons of Smuggled Fish from Thailand, Former Official and 3 Others Arrested

In Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province, approximately 7 tons of catfish illegally imported from Thailand were seized, and four individuals, including a former high-ranking official, were arrested. The arrested individuals are identified as former high-ranking official Ms. Chea Rotha, businessmen Mr. Thim Thai and Mr. Sao Ra, and one unidentified individual. The incident came to light in late August in Ta Ben village, Slorkram commune, Svay Chek district. Ms. Chea Rotha and her accomplices allegedly smuggled catfish from Thailand on August 26 and stored them at Mr. Sao Ra's residence and warehouse in Ta Ben village, Slorkram commune. The Banteay Meanchey Provincial Gendarmerie arrested Ms. Chea Rotha and her four accomplices, handing them over to the provincial prosecutor's office for questioning. Investigators from the provincial economic crime suppression office, in cooperation with relevant authorities, searched Mr. Sao Ra's residence and discovered 12 red containers holding nearly 7 tons of catfish. These were reportedly smuggled from Thailand and intended for sale within the country. Smuggling of agricultural and fishery products is strictly prohibited as an economic crime in Cambodia, and illegal imports from neighboring Thailand are a persistent issue. The involvement of a former high-ranking official in this case suggests the possible existence of an organized smuggling network. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer