Police arrest British man in Koh Samui for marijuana

A British man on Koh Samui was arrested by immigration police for illegal possession and use of marijuana, according to the provincial immigration police chief. Police say that 32 year old Paul Mathew Kennedy was arrested on Monday at his home in Moo 5 in tambon Bophut.

Immigration police say an informant tipped them off to Kennedy, accusing him of being involved in activities related to marijuana. Police launched a probe that culminated in his arrest on Monday.

From their investigation into the suspect, they uncovered social media posts that suggested that the British man runs a business in the UK selling equipment to grow marijuana. They did not mention any evidence online of the man conducting similar business within the Kingdom of Thailand.

The man is in Koh Samui on a valid passport and visa, with permission to stay in Thailand until September of next year.

Police searched the man’s shoulder bag and found a grinder along with a small amount of ground, dried marijuana. They then searched his home and on the second floor they found a room with 2 marijuana stashes. Some ganja was found in a drawer of a TV table while more was found in a refrigerator.

A urine test confirmed marijuana in the British man’s system and he allegedly admitted to the possession and use of the drug. He said he bought his supply nearby his home in front of Wat Plai Laem from an unidentified Thai woman.

The man will be charged with illegal possession and use of marijuana and has been handed over to local police for processing.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post