Men sent to Kratie court for unauthorised gold mining

Officials inspect gold mines in Snuol district’s Svay Chreah commune. Photo supplied

Military Police officers sent three suspects to the Kratie Provincial Court on Wednesday for illegally mining gold in Thnal village in Snuol district’s Svay Chreah commune, Military Police chief San Bunthan said.

The three suspects, who were detained on Monday, allegedly mined gold without proper permission.

He identified the suspects as Lach Koem Heng, 57; his brother Lach Koem Heang, 47; and 53-year-old Oeung Seng, all of whom live in Thnal village.

District governor Kong Kimny said on Wednesday that before their arrest, the three suspects had been repeatedly warned by local authorities to cease their illegal activities, but they continued.

Kimny said: “We have previously told them that if they wanted to do business, they need to request permission. If they don’t register, they’re committing an illegal act. We gave them time to move their belongings but they did not listen.

“Therefore, we have to act according to the law.”

Provincial deputy governor Khan Chamnan and provincial Department of Mines and Energy director Sok Kiriroth could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Contact author: Soth Koemsoeun

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