Cambodia News, (Battambang): Police of Thmor Koul district on May 2, 2022 arrested a suspicious character who was pretending to be a monk, and confiscated a bag of drugs in Hai San village, Chrey commune, Thmor Koul district, Battambang province.

Police said that prior to the arrest, the suspect wore a monk's attire and went on a pilgrimage to search for alms from villagers in Hai San village. But the villagers became suspicious when the "monk" refused to accept their food and asked them for money instead. The suspicious villagers then reported this strange behavior to the commune administration police, who then searched the monk and found the bag of drugs and discovered the deception.
The fake monk confessed that before arriving in Battambang, he went to steal money, a robe and bags from the monks at Wat Muey, Banteay Meanchey province.

According to Thmor Koul police, the suspect, Lim Chanvibol, 30, was born in Trapeang Chraneang village, Sre Chea Khang Cheung commune, Dong Tong district, Kampot province. The confiscated items were: 1 package of crystal methamphetamine.

Currently, the suspect has been sent to the Battambang Provincial Police to build a case to be sent to court for legal proceedings.

I often wonder this when I see monks begging. I think there is enough networking these days they know where to go for food an shelter during a pilgrimage.