Former Phuket police volunteer denied bail

PHUKET: Long-time expat and well-known Tourist Police Volunteer Garry Halpin has been denied bail by police, the Phuket Gazette was told today.

Mr Halpin was arrested on Saturday night in a police sting operation during which he was found in possession of more than 18 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine).

Mr Halpin was placed under arrest after he bought the drugs from his alleged regular supplier, Lersak Thaitae (story here).

Mr Lersak told police that Mr Halpin sold the ya ice to teenagers in the Chalong area.

Mr Halpin was presented to Phuket Provincial Court today, when police handed custody of him to Phuket Prison.

“The case was handed over to Chalong Police as Mr Halpin was arrested [by Phuket Provincial Police] within our jurisdiction,” Chalong Police Deputy Superintendent Jumroon Plaidoung explained to the Gazette.

“Chalong Police denied Mr Halpin bail, but the court has yet to consider whether or not he may post court bail, which it may do tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Halpin faces charges of possession of a Category 1 Drug with intent to sell.

Bail could be set as high as 2 million baht, a clerk at the court told the Gazette today.

— Saran Mitrarat