Illegal guns trigger 10 arrests

PHUKET: Although Phuket residents still have until December 15 to turn in illegal firearms without fear of prosecution, crime statistics from Phuket Provincial Police show that 10 arrests on charges of illegal gun possession were made between November 1 and November 25. And even though the province was declared drug-free on Loy Kratong Day – November 8 – there were 57 drug-related arrests in the same period (The government later clarified this declaration to say that rather than actually being completely drug-free, the province was 100% committed to becoming so.) Despite these threats, the province is still a magnet for foreign visitors – some of whom choose to enter the country without proper documentation; 81 illegal immigrants were arrested in the province during the period. There were also 164 arrests for illegal gambling and 26 for prostitution. Four people were charged with attempted murder. Twenty-two cases of assault resulting in bodily harm produced 15 arrests. There were 35 reports of burglary, purse-snatching, fraud, extortion and similar offenses, with 26 arrests.