Battambang Provincial police arrested Eang Sochea on June 4 for allegedly smuggling 40 weapons. Several others detained for questioning were released after being found uninvolved. Penh Rany, Tapon commune police chief, confirmed the arrest, stating Sochea had been in Sangke district for three months to buy land.

Sochea confessed to smuggling and possessing illegal weapons, revealing he had transported them by bus and personally. He has been sent back to Preah Sihanouk provincial police, who are handling the case. The police seized various firearms, including AK-47s, M16s, and other rifles.

Heng Ratana, director-general of Cambodia Mine Action Center (CMAC), confirmed Sochea’s arrest, noting he resigned from CMAC in 2005. Battambang provincial deputy police chief Em Kosal said Sochea is being questioned at the provincial police headquarters. Rights-based NGO Licadho applauded the police for their actions, urging a thorough investigation to identify any accomplices.