Rita Odafe
A Nigerian man, aged 29, identified as Madu Daniel Sopuru, has been captured by the Cambodian police for allegedly smuggling close to 10 kg of drugs.
Following direct orders from Major General Pech Vira, the Provincial Police Commissioner, and supervised by Brigadier General Keo Sotha, Deputy Commissioner for Anti-Drug Operations, local enforcement agencies held a joint operation to combat drug trafficking across borders.
The operation took place on Monday, July 1, 2024, around 11:30 pm, resulting in the arrest of the individual at midnight in Otamo village, Monorom Commune in Svay Rieng province while he was in the act of smuggling the illicit substances.
The suspect was discovered with an expired passport (number A06478250) and was unable to provide proof of occupation or residence.
Authorities retrieved 6,954.68 grams (6.95 kg) of heroin, 2,868.09 grams (2.87 kg) of methamphetamine, a passport, two mobile phones, and a black shoulder bag containing the illegal substances during the raid.
“A total of 9.82 kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine was seized from the suspect during the operation,” stated the National Police on their website on Thursday, July 4.
“The suspect is now in custody at the Svay Rieng Provincial Court awaiting prosecution.”
In Cambodia, there is no capital punishment for drug trafficking. As per the law, individuals convicted of trafficking more than 80 grams of illicit drugs could face life imprisonment.
Reportedly, during the period of January to June 2024, the kingdom apprehended 11,780 individuals linked to drug offenses, which included over 300 foreign nationals from 13 different countries, confiscating a total of 5.01 tons of illegal substances.
The seized drugs primarily comprised heroin, ecstasy, ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine pills, and cocaine.
