Phnom Penh Municipal Police chief Sar Thet has ordered three police officers to be punished and educated after they used excessive force in apprehending a suspect on June 29.

The officers, operating in Kbal Koh commune, Chbar Ampov district, were caught on video beating a drug suspect.

The police department website said the officers were riding motorbikes while investigating a drug deal. In the process of making an arrest, they handcuffed a suspect and took him to a motorbike where one pressed a knee down the suspect’s neck and kicked him.

The incident was caught on video and posted on Facebook, drawing public criticism.

Citing Sar Thet’s speech, Fresh News said on Wednesday that the officers abused their authority in catching the suspect.

“It is the experience of our police officers to follow orders and principles advised by National Police chief Neth Savoeun. I will educate them not to repeat their action,” Thet said.

Chbar Ampov district police chief Mao Soeut said on Thursday that the officers were sent to the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Office for punishment, but he didn’t know the level of punishment.

As for the suspect, Re Longreach, police will send his case and the small package of drugs to the court on Wednesday, Soeut said.