Briton David Reader Arrested in Cambodia for Drug Trafficking

 

CAMBODIA – Sihanoukville Police have arrested a British National David Reader, along with his Cambodian girlfriend, on Saturday for drug trafficking in the southwestern Preah Sihanouk Province.

Police Officials raided the rented room of David Reader, 66, and his girlfriend Lim Saron, 34, at the Power House Guest House in Sihanoukville’s Buon commune, said Long Kimhour, the Sihanoukville police chief.

Police found them in possession of four small plastic bags containing 77.8 grams of methamphetamine, one bong and one pipe, both used for smoking the drug, Mr. Kimhour said.

He added that undercover police officers bought $150 worth of methamphetamine from the couple on two separate occasions over a two-month period before deciding to make Saturday’s arrest.

“We spent a lot of time watching them,” he said.

Mr. Reader, who is retired and has lived in Sihanoukville for six years, claimed the drugs belonged to Ms. Saron, Mr. Kimhour said.

“Both of them were sent to Preah Sihanouk Provincial Court and they were charged with drug distribution and use,” Mr. Kimhour said, adding that they are now being held in provisional detention.

The British Embassy did not respond to a request to confirm Reader’s Nationality.

Meanwhile, Eight Nigerian Nationals and one Cambodian woman were charged yesterday with possessing nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine powder that was intended for sale around Phnom Penh, according to officials.

“They now have been sent to Prey Sar Prison,” said Keo Socheat, deputy prosecutor at the court. The suspects were arrested last Thursday and Friday in the capital’s Chamkarmon district.