Number of drug arrests shoots up

PHUKET: Crime statistics released by the Phuket Provincial Police show that the number of drug-related arrests in May was up 61% compared with the same month last year, while the number of arrests related to ya bah (methamphetamine) was twice the number for April.

In May, there were 173 arrests for drug-related offenses, 101 of which involved ya bah, with a total of 7,851 pills seized.

A total of 32 people were arrested for using cannabis, with 30.84 grams of the illegal herb confiscated. There were 15 arrests for possession of krathom (an indigenous plant that acts as a mild stimulant), with 1,268 leaves of the plant seized, along with 0.5 liters of krathom extract.

Six people were arrested for possession of solvents, with six bags of the inhalant seized. Thirteen people were arrested for possession of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine) with 22.15g confiscated. There was one arrest after 0.01g of cocaine was found, and there were five arrests for charges related to 1.42g of heroin.

Arrests for gambling offenses still topped the list with 252 arrests.

There was one arrest for attempted murder, and one for assault.

There were 51 thefts reported, including four for motorcycles and one for a car. Arrests were made in 30 of these cases.

Prostitution accounted for 56 arrests, while 21 people were nabbed for possession of unlicensed firearms.