A deputy police chief in Poipet was fired after driving an unlicensed car into three women on bikes and speeding off. Although he later paid 14 million riel in compensation to settle with the victims, a failed drug test sealed his fate, resulting in his immediate dismissal. The hit-and-run has quickly become the talk of the town.
He is actually the second deputy chief in Poipet to face disciplinary action this month alone. The previous officer was suspended after getting caught using an impounded vehicle for personal business. With two high-ranking officers in hot water back-to-back, people across town are buzzing about the trouble inside the local police station.
Officials noted that Interior Minister Sar Sokha recently handed down a strict directive: any public official caught involved with drugs must be ousted within 24 hours. Sitting around the local coffee stalls, residents are saying the government is finally showing it means business this time.
