The usual suspects

PHUKET: Crime statistics for August, released by the Phuket Provincial Police, show that the usual two crimes – gambling and drugs – yet again topped the list of offenses committed in the month.

A total of 181 people were arrested on gambling charges during the August 1-25 reporting period. Eleven of these were held for their involvement in the underground lottery.

Of the 57 arrests for drug offenses made during the same period, 27 were for possession of marijuana,19 for possession of ya bah (methamphetamine) and two for possession of krathom, an indigenous plant that has a stimulant effect. A total of 5,323 ya bah pills were seized.

Nine people were arrested for sniffing glue, paint thinner or other vaporous inhalants.

Three murders were reported during the period, with arrests made in all three cases, and one person was arrested for manslaughter. There were nine reported cases of bodily harm being inflicted, with arrests made in every case.

A total of 67 theft cases were reported, seven of which involved stolen motorcycles. Five people were reported for alleged fraud. Eighty-eight people were arrested for working illegally and 11 were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.

A further 52 people were arrested for offenses related to prostitution.