Cambodia arrests two generals for drug trafficking

PHNOM PENH, November 1, 2011- Two high-ranking Cambodian army generals have been arrested for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine, police said Tuesday.

Two-star generals Lay Virak and Khuon Roeun, who also act as advisors to the defence ministry, were detained on Monday with nearly one kilogramme of the drug in their possession, national police spokesman Kirth Chantharith told AFP.

“They were arrested while exchanging the drug,” he said, without specifying who the other party was in the deal.

The police spokesman said the arrests were made following months of surveillance.

Cambodia has ramped up its war on drugs in recent months, resulting in hundreds of arrests, some involving high-profile officials.

Earlier this year, the chief of Cambodia’s anti-drug trafficking agency was charged with accepting bribes in drugs cases.

Cambodia became a popular trafficking point for narcotics, particularly methamphetamines and heroin, after neighbouring Thailand toughened its stance on illegal drugs in 2002.