The Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Counterfeit Products Committee (ACPC) and local police seized almost 50 tonnes of raw materials during recent raids on cigarette and bread factories in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok and Por Sen Chey districts.

The products are suspected of being fake and illegal.

In Sen Sok district, Kmuonh commune police chief Nhean Norn said on Thursday his forces went to inspect a cigarette factory on Wednesday suspected of producing fake cigarettes.

Police found 11 types of raw materials in 1,048 boxes (about 25 tonnes) used for producing cigarettes. They also discovered machines and tools for producing cigarettes, he said.

“The evidence collected is being kept at the ACPC office for testing. Police also detained Chinese workers and held them for questioning,” he said.

The Post could not reach Sen Sok district police chief Hour Meng Vang for comment on Thursday.

In a separate case, ACPB and police checked a bread factory in Por Sen Chey district’s Kakab II commune on Tuesday. They found evidence including 22 tonnes of raw materials used for producing bread.

A district police officer who asked to remain anonymous told The Post on Thursday the bread factory operated illegally without a logo, a factory declaration, listed products, valid quality certificates, trademark registration certificates or an operation certification.

“We closed the factory temporarily and collected evidence. We did not find the owner,” he said.

Por Sen Chey district police chief Morn Vuthy said on Thursday his officers worked in collaboration with ACPC but did not enter the building.

The Post could not reach ACPC head Meach Sophana for comment on Thursday.

Cambodian Investment Federation President Ley Sopheap, who is also the director of the Cambodian Pharmacists Association, said he supports the operations and encourages authorities to take prevention measures on fake and unqualified goods because these products are dangerous.

“I call on factory owners to respect the law,” he said.