Gambling tops crimes stats again

PHUKET: Gambling remains the most commonly caught crime on the island with 239 arrests made from April 1 to April 30, according to statistics released by Phuket Provincial Police.

Prostitution climbed into number two position, with 92 arrests.

There were 71 people arrested in drug-related cases, of which 33 were for ya bah (methamphetamine)-related charges – three for selling, 20 for possession with intent to sell, eight for possession and two for use – and 1,922 pills seized.

Seventeen people were arrested for inhalant abuse, 12 for possession or use of cannabis with 237 grams confiscated and seven for possession of krathom (an indigenous Thai plant that acts as a mild stimulant) with 206 leaves confiscated.

One person was arrested for possession of ice (crystal methamphetamine) with one “small package” seized, and another for possession of five pills alprazolam, commonly known by the trade name Xanax.

Two murders and four attempted murders were reported during the period, with one and two arrests made, respectively. There were 14 reports of assault with 10 arrests made and five reports of rape with three arrests made.

Sixty-six cases of theft were reported, including theft of seven motorcycles and one car. Arrests were made in 39 of the cases.

Twenty-eight people were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and three people were arrested for possession or distribution of pornography.