Cambodia arrest USA man for drugs

Phnom Penh (dpa) - Cambodian police said Monday that they had arrested a US national accused of possessing methamphetamines and not having a valid passport.

Phnom Penh Foreigner Police Chief Mom Sitha gave the man's name as Daniel Jakob Thoreaux Division, 39.

"He was arrested ... because he was sleepy on the street and behaving strangely," Sitha said. "Police found a small amount of methamphetamines on him as well as equipment for smoking drugs and a set of scales."

Sitha said it was unclear why the man was carrying scales because the amount of drugs was only enough for personal use but investigations were continuing. He said the American was detained over the weekend.

After we arrested him, we also found he had no passport, which is another serious charge," he added.

Sitha said Division was expected to face court Tuesday on the drugs charges and he was still awaiting orders regarding the immigration charges.

The 39-year-old could face a prison term as Cambodia continues to crack down on a growing methamphetamine problem, although deportation was also a possibility because of the small amount in his possession.

If the court finds he has a case to answer, Division might be detained up to six months under Cambodian law as he awaits trial.

Authorities did not reveal the exact amount of drugs recovered.