A former inmate at Kampong Speu and Trapaing Phlong prisons claimed yesterday he witnessed rampant drug dealing at both facilities and plans to file a complaint with the support of NWRPO, a local NGO.

Kang Sopheap, 45, who finished serving a 10-year sentence for motorbike theft yesterday – after, he alleged, having been asked to pay a bribe for his release – said he had witnessed the deals.

“Many prisoners at Trapaing Phlong are taking illegal drugs every day. I saw by my own eyes . . . white drugs looking like ice.”

Meanwhile, “At Kampong Speu Provincial Prison, the prison guards are the persons who directly distribute the drug,” he said.

According to Sopheap, prisoners used mobile phones to conduct drug deals with prices ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 riel (about $12 to $120).

Sopheap originally reported drug dealing at Kampong Speu through NWRPO and claims this is why he was transferred to Trapaing Phlong, one of two prisons in Kampong Cham.

Un Sokhom, acting prison guard director at the Kampong Speu facility, admitted past irregularities, but said an investigation several months ago led to the firing of the previous director and that “drug distribution no longer exists here”.

Sea Sovanna, director of Trapaing Phlong prison, denied the allegations, calling it an “insane exaggeration of information”.

Chea Hean, NWRPO director, said he plans to petition the Interior Ministry to take action on the matter.