Drug crimes still high

PHUKET: There were 46 ya bah (methamphetamine) arrests in July with a total of 1,119 pills seized. Drug-related crimes accounted for 107 arrests over the month, almost double the number recorded in July 2006, according to figures released by Phuket Provincial Police.

Twenty-five people were arrested for the use of cannabis, with 106 kilograms confiscated. There were 18 arrests for inhalant abuse and eight for possession of krathom (an indigenous Thai plant that acts as a mild stimulant), with 2,463 leaves seized by police.

Seven people were arrested for possession of “ice” (crystal methamphetamine) with 11.7 grams seized; one person for possession of ya E (Ecstasy) with 70 pills confiscated; and two people for possession of ya K (ketamine) with 4.3 grams appropriated.

Despite the increase in drug arrests, gambling was once again Phuket’s most popular crime, with 297 arrests made in July, up 116 from last year.

In other crimes, there were 110 cases of theft reported around the island – including 14 motorcycles and one car – up 43 from last year, but down slightly from last month; 60 arrests were made.

Five murders and four attempted murders were reported in July, with 15 reports of assault and 12 arrests made.

Forty-six people were arrested for prostitution and 25 for possession of unlicensed firearms, both figures were similar to those for July 2006.

One person was arrested in July for possession and distribution of pornography.