Gambling and drug arrests dip

PHUKET: The number of arrests for gambling and drug-taking has fallen slightly, police statistics for December 1-25 reveal. The figures show 180 arrests for gambling in 97 cases compared with 198 arrests in 102 cases in the comparable period of November. In the same December period, 61 people were arrested on drug offenses in 61 busts, compared with 93 arrests in 68 busts in November. The December figure included 19 people held in cases involving ya bah (methamphetamine), with 741½ ya bah pills seized. The December figures also showed two murder cases, one of which was solved. One attempted murder and two rapes were also solved. A total of 93 people were arrested for being illegal aliens. Eighty-five people were arrested for possession of stolen vehicles or other stolen property. Twelve people were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms.