Gambling a sure bet in Phuket

PHUKET: Gambling has topped the latest crime statistics released by Phuket Provincial Police with 205 arrests made from June 1 to June 30.

There were 125 people arrested in drug-related cases, of which 61 involved ya bah (methamphetamine): five for selling, 30 for possession with intent to sell, 14 for possession and 12 for use. A total of 7,821 pills were seized.

Thirty-three people were arrested for inhalant abuse and 15 for possession or use of cannabis, with 345.68 grams confiscated. There were six arrests for possession of kratom (an indigenous Thai plant that acts as a mild stimulant) with 7,240 leaves weighing a neat 500 kilograms confiscated.

Following up on the record-breaking kratom raid on a house in Thalang on June 21, the Gazette on July 10 confirmed with Lt Col Kritthana Poothiluecha of Thalang Police Station, who led the raid, that 2,000 kilos of kratom were seized at the house.

Col Kritthana said the evidence was then forwarded to the state prosecutor, who filed with the court that record haul weighed in at only 500kg, including branches and leaves.

Chasing down another anomaly, the Gazette confirmed with the reporting officer that one person was arrested for possession of 0.4 grams of heroin, and another for possession of 0.1 grams of cocaine.

Three people were arrested for possession of ya E (Ecstasy) with 10.14 grams seized.

There were 142 cases of theft reported, including theft of 22 motorcycles and two cars, with arrests made in 80 of the cases.

Three murders and five attempted murders were reported during the period, with one arrest made for each. There were 24 reports of assault with 15 arrests made, and three reports of rape with two arrests made.

There were 51 arrests for prostitution and 25 people were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms.

Five people were arrested for possession or distribution of pornography.