Gamblers trump October crime stats

PHUKET: Gambling topped the latest crime statistics released by Phuket Provincial Police, with 197 arrests in October.

In second place, 94 people were arrested for drug-related cases, of which 64 involved ya bah (methamphetamine) with a total of 7,128 pills seized.

Seventeen people were arrested for the use of cannabis, with 4346.74 grams (4.3 kilograms) confiscated. There were three arrests for inhalant abuse and six for possession of krathom (an indigenous Thai plant that acts as a mild stimulant) with 499 leaves seized.

Nine people were arrested for possession of an “inhalant” with nine bags of contraband seized, while two people were arrested for possession of “ice” (crystal methamphetamine) with four small bags seized.

There were 88 cases of theft reported, seven involving motorcycles, with arrests made in 57 of the cases.

Four attempted murders were reported in October, with three cases “solved”. Twelve arrests were made from 20 reports of assault.

Ninety-seven people were arrested for prostitution and nine for possession of unlicensed firearms.

Two people were arrested in October for possession or distribution of pornography.