In a major anti-drug operation, Cambodian police arrested a 29-year-old Nigerian man, named Madu Daniel Sopuru, for reportedly trafficking approximately 10 kg of cocaine.
Local enforcement agencies launched a concerted effort to combat cross-border drug trafficking, following stringent directives from Major General Pech Vira, the Provincial Police Commissioner, and under the direct authority of Brigadier General Keo Sotha, Deputy Commissioner for Anti-Drug Operations.
The operation was carried out on Monday, July 1, 2024, at approximately 11:30 p.m., and culminated in the arrest of the suspect at midnight in Otamo village, Monorom Commune, Svay Rieng province, as he was transporting illicit substances.
The Nigerian was determined to have an expired passport (number A06478250) and no confirmed occupation or residence.
During the raid, investigators seized 6,954.68 grammes (96.95 kg) of heroin, 2,868.09 grammes (2.87 kg) of methamphetamine, one passport, two mobile phones, and a black shoulder bag holding the illegal drugs.
“A total of 9.82 kg of heroin and crystal methamphetamine was confiscated from the suspect’s possession during the raid,” the National Police said on its website on Thursday, July 4.
“The suspect has been sent to the Svay Rieng Provincial Court for prosecution.”
The Southeast Asian country has no death penalty for drug trafficking. According to the law, anyone found guilty of trafficking more than 80 grammes of illegal substances might face life in jail.
According to the Anti-Drug Department, the monarchy detained 11,780 drug-related suspects, including over 300 foreigners of 13 countries, from January to June 2024, seizing a total of 5.01 tonnes of illicit substances.
The majority of the seized substances were heroin, ecstasy, ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine tablets, and cocaine.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
