Gunshots rang out near a residential area in Sihanoukville on Thursday, and it wasn’t just firecrackers—police were locked in a shootout while closing in on drug suspects. The gang was armed and holed up, holding out against law enforcement from Thursday until things finally wrapped up yesterday.
The operation was led by Khim Vannak, deputy chief of the Anti-Drug Crimes Department. When the dust settled, authorities rounded up eight suspects. They weren't kept hanging around the scene; all eight were hauled straight to the Preah Sihanouk Provincial Police headquarters, where overnight interrogations and legal procedures got right under way.
Local police have been cracking down hard on drugs over the last few years, busting operations everywhere from the coastline to the train station. If residents hear anything suspicious or notice a house looking out of the ordinary, the police station’s doors are always open and tips are welcome.
