SIEM REAP: Authorities are continuing to search for masked criminals that successfully freed a drug lord serving a 52-year sentence on August 17 while he attended a supervised dentist appointment.

Siem Reap Police Commissioner Teng Channath told EAC News that as of August 18, authorities had detained a number of suspects, but had not yet confirmed any connections to the crime. He was not able to provide further comment as the investigation is still underway.

According to National Police Commissioner, Net Savoeun, six people have been detained, none of whom are the escaped prisoner and presumed ringleader of the operation. He said that the National Police are continuing to search for the 45-year-old convict.

The Chinese prisoner, who was freed by a group of masked people, was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 52 years in prison in 2009. He had previously complained of a toothache and was taken to the dentist. He claimed the toothache persisted and was taken to the dentist again on Thursday, where he was successfully liberated by a criminal group who threatened the supervising authorities with guns.