PHNOM PENH: Eight drug traffickers have been sentenced to life in prison for their involvement in a 2024 case which involved the interception of over 1.5 tonnes of ketamine and methamphetamine, which was believed to be en route to Taiwan. Each of the individuals was also fined 400 million riels, approximately US$100,000.
Six of the prisoners, Yang Lianqi, also known as Lim Wei Ming or Luo Shun; Hung Hsien Fu, also known as Hung Chung Yueh; Shi Yuanya; Huang Xiaoyu; Chiu Shiu Chia; and Zhong Yong Qiu, are Chinese nationals, while Li Tsung Hsen is from Chinese Taipei.
One Indonesian, Andy Winata, was the final member of the gang, noted a Jan 30 court statement.
The eight were found guilty of drug trafficking and transportation, as well as money laundering. The verdict was announced on Jan 29.
The individuals were involved with a January 2024 case which saw police seize over 1.5 tonnes of drugs, at the Stung Hav Port in Stung Hav district, Preah Sihanouk province, and other locations in Phnom Penh.
“All of the confiscated drugs were destroyed,” said a court spokesperson.
At the time of the bust, authorities stated that the perpetrators transported drugs from Laos to Cambodia, with Taiwan the likely final destination.
Police seized 1,000 blocks of ketamine, weighing over 980 kilogrammes, and 534 blocks of methamphetamine, weighing over 530 kilogrammes. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
