Irishman among three arrested for drug dealing in Phuket

PHUKET: Police made three more arrests last night, including that of an Irish national, in their continued effort to rid Patong of drug dealers.

Officers arrested Irishman Jim Joseph Brady along with Parinya Sornloy and Sumalee Saenkhampa, all of whom were found in possession of either ya bah (methamphetamine) or ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), or both.

“The first suspect arrested was Mr Parinya, 33,” Sutthichai Thianpho of the Patong Police told the Phuket Gazette.

“We led a sting operation to buy drugs from him. When he handed over the drugs to the undercover officer, we arrested him for possession of five ya bah pills and 430mg of ya ice.”

The second arrest of the night involved 45-year-old Mr Brady, who was caught with 2.8 grams of ya ice separated into two 1.4-gram bags, said Col Suttichai.

Officers ended their night of raids with the arrest of Ms Sumalee.

“Ms Sumalee, 34, was arrested in possession of 2.2 grams of ya ice. The drugs were separated into two bags, ready to be sold. One bag had 1.4 grams and the other 800mg,” said Col Suttichai.

All three suspects were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.

Police are questioning the suspects for more information.

— Chutharat Plerin