Tourist Police Volunteer busted for drug dealing in Phuket

PHUKET: Provincial Police arrested long-time expat and well-known Tourist Police Volunteer Garry Halpin yesterday for dealing drugs to tourists and local teens.

Mr Halpin, 52, was arrested at the Chalong Villa and Spa last night, where he was in possession of over 18g of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia, a digital scale and cough syrup.

“Garry was a tourist police volunteer who always helped the Chalong Police to communicate with tourists. He worked closely with police, and used this connection to convince foreigners that he could do what he wanted, right or wrong,” Lt Col Jarun Bangprasert of the Phuket Provincial Police said.

Police received a tip-off about the crooked tourist cop after a 25-year-old was arrested in Rawai on December 13.

Lersak Thaitae told police that he sold ya ice to Mr Halpin, who would then turn around a re-distribute the drug to tourists and teenagers in the area.

Police quickly scrambled a sting operation and had Mr Lersak call Mr Halpin.

“He was told that there wasn’t much left in the batch. However, there was enough for us to come in and make an arrest,” Lt Col Bangprasert said.

Mr Halpin was charged with the possession of a Category 1 Drug with intent to sell.

“He has accepted the charges,” Lt Col Bangprasert said.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong