Phuket Court denies bail for Garry Halpin, former Tourist Police Volunteer

PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Court denied bail for long-term expat and former Tourist Police Volunteer Garry Halpin, who is being held at Phuket Provincial Prison.

“Mr Halpin was denied bail by the court and had also been denied bail by the Chalong Police on December 16,” said Chalong Police Deputy Superintendent Jumroon Plaidoung.

Police are waiting for drug test results before handing the case to the public prosecutor by March 10.

“I do not know exactly when we will receive those results, but we should have them by the end of February,” Lt Col Jumroon said.

The police have a maximum of 84 days – seven terms of 12 days each – in which to collect evidence in the case against Mr Halpin before they have to take it to court, explained a Phuket Prison officer. They currently have four terms remaining – 48 days –to build their case.

Mr Halpin, 52, was arrested on December 14 in Chalong and charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell (story here).

He was found with more than 18 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia, a digital scale and cough syrup.

— Chutharat Plerin