Monday, September 10, 2007

Cambodian police detain American on drug, immigration charges

Sep 10, 2007
DPA

Phnom Penh - Cambodian police said Monday that they had arrested a US national accused of possessing methamphetamines and not having a valid passport.

Phnom Penh Foreigner Police Chief Mom Sitha gave the man's name as Daniel Jakob Thoreaux Division, 39.

'He was arrested ... because he was sleepy on the street and behaving strangely,' Sitha said. 'Police found a small amount of methamphetamines on him as well as equipment for smoking drugs and a set of scales.'

Sitha said it was unclear why the man was carrying scales because the amount of drugs was only enough for personal use but investigations were continuing. He said the American was detained over the weekend.

After we arrested him, we also found he had no passport, which is another serious charge,' he added.

Sitha said Division was expected to face court Tuesday on the drugs charges and he was still awaiting orders regarding the immigration charges.

The 39-year-old could face a prison term as Cambodia continues to crack down on a growing methamphetamine problem, although deportation was also a possibility because of the small amount in his possession.

If the court finds he has a case to answer, Division might be detained up to six months under Cambodian law as he awaits trial.

Authorities did not reveal the exact amount of drugs recovered.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Obviously, one of those Western losers that have lately sought out Cambodia as their haven. Those numbers are increasing rapidly. Look at the streets of Phnom Penh and Sihanoukville. Tourists should not be able to get business visas and no extensions of stay if they do not show a legitimate cause. Cambodia has enough problems with their own poor people. They do not need any bottom feeders and outcasts from other countries.