PHNOM PENH, July 14 (Xinhua) -- A Cambodian court on Friday convicted a Laotian man of smuggling illicit drug into Cambodia and sentenced him to life in prison, according to a verdict.
Phom Malath Khamponh, 37, was arrested with 3.04 kg of crystal methamphetamine and methamphetamine pills at Phnom Penh on June 29, 2016 when he rode a taxi from northern Cambodia's Stung Treng province, which borders Laos.
"Phom Malath Khamponh is charged with possessing and trafficking illicit drug," said the verdict read by Phnom Penh Municipal Court's Presiding Judge Top Chhunheng.
"The court decides to sentence him to life in prison and to fine him 80 million riel (20,000 U.S. dollars)," the verdict said.
Under the Cambodian law, the convict has one month to appeal against the ruling.
