Illegal immigrants top crime stats

PHUKET: Illegal immigration cases overtook gambling to top the list of crimes committed during the month of August, according to statistics released today by the Phuket Provincial Police. The figures show that 170 illegal immigrants were arrested in Phuket between August 1 and 25. In the same period, narcotics possession and trafficking cases came in second with a total of 106 cases, and 121 people arrested. Of the 106 cases, 52 involved ya bah. Police arrested 94 people on gambling charges. They also arrested 25 people in a series of raids launched this month aimed at bars, clubs, pubs, and discos suspected of breaking various laws. 30 cases of theft were reported, with arrests made in 23 of them. Police arrested three suspects in four murder cases. Four people were arrested for assault, and one for sexual assault. 20 people were charged with prostitution, and another 10 for illegal possession of weapons.