Gambling tops crime stats

PHUKET: Gambling topped the latest crime statistics released by Phuket Provincial Police, with 228 arrests in November.

Drug-related cases accounted for 109 arrests, of which 49 involved ya bah (methamphetamine) with a total of 3,170.5 pills seized.

Twenty-seven people were arrested for the use of cannabis, with 9.2 kilograms confiscated. There were 15 arrests for inhalant abuse and nine for possession of krathom (an indigenous Thai plant that acts as a mild stimulant) with 30kg seized along with an additional 200 leaves.

Eight people were arrested for possession of “krathom liquid” (a drink made from krathom leaves), and one person was arrested for possession of ya E (Ecstasy) with half a pill seized.

There were 110 cases of theft reported, three involving motorcycles, with arrests made in 68 of the cases.

There were seven reported attempted murders in November, with three cases “solved”. Of 12 reports of assault, six arrests were made.

Eighty-one people were arrested for prostitution and 21 for possession of unlicensed firearms.

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