Thai cops uncover British man’s drug stash in Phuket
A British man is facing a lifetime behind bars after Thai cops swooped on his hotel room and reportedly found a significant stash of illegal drugs. The British man, Stephen Mullady, was arrested on the spot for suspected cocaine dealing.
The father of one, who had been socialising with friends, was arrested by Thai police who allegedly uncovered various illegal substances and drug paraphernalia within his accommodation.
Officers reportedly seized 2.4 grammes of cocaine, along with three weighing scales and 104 small plastic bags typically used for packaging the drug. Additionally, small quantities of methamphetamine and crystal meth were allegedly confiscated.
The 45 year old suspect allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine, further complicating his legal situation.
In Thailand, a conviction for cocaine dealing carries a minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, while possession of other illicit substances could result in a 10-year term behind bars.
Mullady’s arrest adds to a series of police operations targeting badly behaving foreigners involved in drug-related crimes and violence.
Immigration officials have pledged to intensify scrutiny in response to these incidents, said Police Lieutenant Colonel Kornphon Liangboonjinda, Deputy Superintendent of the Karon District Police Station.
“Officers received an anonymous complaint that there was a group of foreigners causing a disturbance by regularly partying in a room at the hotel called Just a Puff.
“Police went to check the room and Stephen was shocked and behaving suspiciously. When we entered we found cocaine and methamphetamine in a black bag, along with three digital weighing apparatus and his passport in a grey bag.
“Plus, there were 104 little bags for separating drugs on his table.
Mullady faced charges for the sale of cocaine, classified as a Category 2 prohibited substance, with minimum prison sentences of 20 years and a maximum of life imprisonment.
Additionally, authorities charged Mullady with the possession of Category 1 methamphetamine, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. However, law enforcement officers determined that the quantities discovered were insufficient to warrant a trafficking charge.
“Foreigners think it’s easy to sell drugs. But it’s also easy for us to catch them.
“They should enjoy their holiday without breaking the law.’
Police chiefs announced today that foreigners will face increased scrutiny following a series of arrests. Roy Ingpairoj, Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Police, stated that he had instructed the Commissioner of Immigration to conduct additional checks on foreigners who seemed to have suspicious intentions for visiting the country, reported the Daily Mail.
Mullady, awaiting a court appearance, becomes the fourth Briton arrested in recent weeks for suspected drug dealing.
- Andrew John Brett, aged 36, was apprehended on the island of Koh Tao on February 29, accused of selling ecstasy and LSD to fellow tourists.
- Peter Hull, aged 44, was allegedly found with cocaine and ecstasy in his accommodation on the island of Koh Samui on March 3.
- Briton Charly Garcia, aged 48, from London, was arrested on March 12 for purportedly distributing cocaine, ecstasy, and other narcotics to tourists via the Telegram app in Chiang Mai.
