Three men have been placed in pre-trial detention by the Takeo Provincial Court after being arrested on April 17 for trafficking drugs in the province’s Cheang Tong commune’s Ang Baksey village of Tram Kak district.

Provincial Military Police deputy commander in charge of the anti-drug unit, Nget Chanty, identified the three as Sen Ratanak, 38; Snguon Chamroeun, 28, and Nak Roeun, 28.

"They have been charged under articles 40 and 45 of the law on drug control," he said.

He said that at around 1pm on April 17, the anti-drug provincial Military Police in coordination with provincial court prosecutor Chiv Chandara made the arrests in the village while the three suspects were trafficking drugs.

The officers confiscated 174.70g of methamphetamine powder, five mobile phones, two electronic flashlights, two motorcycles and some drug packaging materials.

National Authority for Combating Drugs secretary-general Meas Virith told The Post on April 21 that the crackdown occurred during the lockdown for Covid-19. So, authorities will enforce the suppression of drug crimes and the regulations concerning travelling during the lockdown.

He said drug crimes and convictions are still occurring because the users are addicts. However, it is difficult for them to leave their residence to buy drugs.

Officials have claimed that drug offences have decreased during the lockdown.

"The drugs sold are those that remain in the country," he said.