Gambling trumps crime statistics

PHUKET: Yet again, gambling has topped the monthly crime statistics released by Phuket Provincial Police, with 284 arrests in December.

During the period, drug-related cases accounted for 131 arrests, of which 55 involved ya bah (methamphetamine). A total of precisely 13,041.5 pills were seized.

Thirty people were arrested for using cannabis, with a total of just 39.4 grams confiscated. There were 23 arrests for inhalant abuse and 14 for possession of krathom (an indigenous Thai plant that acts as a mild stimulant) with 376 leaves of the contraband plant seized.

Two people were arrested for possession of ya ice with 16.2 grams seized, and six people were arrested for possession of ya E (Ecstasy) with 76 pills seized. One person was arrested for possession 45 pills of Alprazolam (Xanax) without a prescription.

There were 103 cases of theft reported, four involving motorcycles and three involving cars. Arrests were made in 65 of the cases.

There were two attempted murders reported in December, as well as 19 reports of assault with nine arrests made.

There were 116 arrests for prostitution and 21 arrests for possession of unlicensed firearms.

Three people were arrested in December for possession or distribution of pornography.