PHNOM PENH: A Deputy Director of the Anti-Drug Crime Department and four accomplices have been arrested in drug-related extortion cases involving tens of thousands of dollars. The court charged them with unlawful arrest and detention with aggravating circumstances (extortion).

A spokesman for the Phnom Penh Municipal Prosecutor's Office said that five people suspected of pursuing victims on public roads were taken into custody. The Prosecutor's Office said that the suspects were arrested and sent to them following a victim's complaint for legal proceedings.

A preliminary investigation alleges that the Deputy Director and his accomplices had been arresting foreigners on drug charges, then demanding $10,000 for the release of each individual. Following a third incident, Chinese nationals filed a complaint to the Ministry of Interior, who then opened an investigation.

A spokesperson for the Phnom Penh Municipal Court stated that based on the results of the initial investigation, the Court has requested an investigating judge to handle seven suspects, two of whom are still on the run.