Takeo province’s Cambodia Import-Export Inspection and Fraud Repression Directorate-General (CAMCONTROL) officials on Friday raided two locations in Traing district’s Prey Touk village and confiscated more than three tons of contaminated prahok, a fermented fish paste. 

According to Por Leangkong, who heads Camcontrol’s branch in Takeo, the prahok was found to have contained formalin, a chemical commonly used for embalming, which can be harmful when consumed.  “After the Camcontrol officials conducted the primary tests on the fish, it was found that the meat contained formalin and we detained the owners and sent them for questioning at the Traing district police office,” said Mr. Leangkong, adding that the raid was a joint effort with the police and court officials. 
 

“The 3,560 kilograms of fish was imported from Vietnam and was confiscated at two locations in Traing’s Prey Touk village on the afternoon of October 28 after the Camcontrol officials found that the meat contained chemical substances,” he said, adding that officials were tipped off by locals in the area who were suspicious after both vendors continued selling fish despite being raided by Camcontrol officials last month. 
 

Traing district police chief Phan Phal confirmed that one of the business owners was at the police station, but insists that he were not being detained.  “We are waiting for the officers to continue their work first. We are keeping the owner at our office until we get further orders from the prosecutor. 

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