Two Phnom Penh residents were convicted of drug trafficking at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court yesterday.
Heng Lili, 38, and Chhim Kakruna, 34, were arrested in a March raid of their rental home in Trapaing Chhouk, a village known by authorities for its rampant drug trade, in the capital’s Sen Sok district, according to Kor Vandy, the presiding judge.
The March 19 raid resulted in the seizure of 27 packages of powdered methamphetamine and 749 pills of yama from the pair, who were convicted under Article 40 of the Anti-Drug Law, which carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison along with a 10 million riel fine (about $2,500).
“The court sentences Heng Lili, alias ‘Srey Oun’ [little sister], to five years, but the term of her punishment to be implemented is only three years. The rest of her sentence was suspended. And she is fined 10 million riel,” Vandy said, reading the verdict.
“The court sentences Chhim Kakruna to two years in prison, and a fine of 4 million riel [about $1,000],” the judge continued.
According to the court, Lili received a reduced sentence as she is a mother of twins under a year old. Lili was believed to be the main distributor of the drugs in this case, while Kakruna worked for her as a pusher seeking out clients.
The defendants could not be reached for comment.
