The Ministry of Interior on Saturday issued a notification of the dismissal of Lieutenant Colonel Thon Sophannarith, deputy director of the Anti-Drug office in Tboung Khmum provincial police, due to allegations over abuse of his authority and discipline.

His salary and benefits were terminated and he was relieved of his official position with the National Police on Saturday.

The Tboung Khmum Provincial Police office announced that, “Thon Sophannarith, Anti-Drug officer with the Tboung Khmum Provincial Police, has been disciplined by the unit in accordance with regulations and the Ministry of Interior proclamation 084 of January 5, 2024. The disciplinary action removes him from his rank and position with the National Police.”

Tboung Khmum provincial police chief Major General Mon Meakea said that Lt Col Sophannarith had abused his duty according to the police regulations by failing to come to work and also by refusing to return money to others.

Maj Gen Meakea said that the case did not involve other officers. He added that the police will take appropriate legal action against Sophannarith.

In the run up to his dismissal, a woman named Seang Dy alleged on social media that Sophannarith had received $9,000 and $10,000 for a total $19,000 from a man named Nhel Kimhourng in exchange for getting him employment as a police officer in Kandal province.

However, Dy added that Sophannarith failed to find employment for Kimhourng in Kandal. Also, she alleged that he refused to return the $19,000 bribe to Kimhourng when he was asked to do so.

Dy then asked for intervention from the Ministry of Interior to find justice for the victim and to prevent Sophannarith from cheating any other people.

She added that others had also mortgaged their homes and land to raise money to pay bribes to Sophannarith for their children to gain employment with the government.

One member of the public named Chuch Chanthol commented on Dy’s social media statement, saying that he supports reforms to highlight merit based on individual abilities, qualifications and formal examinations. In this way, he said that those who want to gain employment as civil servants will work harder to improve their abilities.

• Tags: Anti-drug police officer