NRP Denies Starting Rumor of Funcinpec Drug Link

Top officials of the Norodom Ranariddh Party Wednesday denied claims by a Funcinpec officer they had circulated rumors of Gen. Nhiek Bun Chhay's involvement in a huge drug production ring.

Nhiek Bun Chhay's involvement in a huge drug production ring. Nhiek Bun Chhay, Funcinpec's secretary-general, has said he is the victim of a smear campaign, following the recent arrest of his former aid on drugs charges.

The aid, Chea Long, was arrested this month on charges stemming from a raid on a drug "super lab" in April, which yielded a seizure of nearly 5 tons of drug-making material.

Since Chea Long's arrest, his link as a former adviser has been circulated in NRP-friendly media, Nhiek Bun Chhay said this week, prompting the latest row between the fractured royalists.

NRP spokesman Muth Chantha called Nhiek Bun Chhay's allegations groundless.