Two soldiers and one Ministry of Interior policeman were arrested by local police in Kandal province last week after they were found to possess 740 kg of TNT powder, officials said.
The men allegedly transported the TNT from Prey Veng province and across the Neak Leung ferry and were headed to Kompong Speu province. They were detained Nov 29 in Leuk Dek district, Kandal province, near the ferry crossing.
The men showed police a letter issued by police General Teng Savong authorizing the TNT transport, according to Moek Dara, interim director of the Ministry of Interior’s crime department. But Moek Dara said the letter did not indicate how the TNT was to be used.
“We want to know if it was for business, for breaking stones on a mountain or for terrorism,” he said. “If it was for business, then why didn’t they have a proper letter?….They are very dangerous when they are on the road. They could kill hundreds of people alongside the road if they are not properly organized.”
Ministry of Interior chief of staff Mao Chandara said the three men did not use proper procedure for the TNT transport. He said the government is continuing its efforts to control and reduce ammunition and explosives.
Ministry officials have refused to comment further on the arrests.
