Gamblers top police crime figures

PHUKET: Gambling remains Phuket’s top illegal pastime with 306 arrests made from May 1 to May 30, according to statistics released by Phuket Provincial Police.

There were 108 people arrested in drug-related cases, of which 49 involved ya bah (methamphetamine): three for importing, five for selling, 26 for possession with intent to sell, 13 for possession and two for use. A total of 6,807.5 pills were seized.

Sixteen people were arrested for inhalant abuse and 22 for possession or use of cannabis, with 18.2 grams confiscated. There were seven arrests for possession of krathom (an indigenous Thai plant that acts as a mild stimulant) with 66 leaves confiscated.

Nine people were arrested for possession of “ice” (crystal methamphetamine) with 17.5 grams seized, three for possession of ya E (Ecstasy) with 36 pills seized, and another two for possession of cocaine, with 570 grams seized.

There were 88 arrests for prostitution and 109 cases of theft reported, including theft of 10 motorcycles and five cars, with arrests made in 52 of the cases.

Three murders and three attempted murders were reported during the period, with one arrest made for each. There were 19 reports of assault with 10 arrests made and one report of rape.

Twenty-three people were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and two people were arrested for possession or distribution of pornography.