Violent crime rises by 130%

PHUKET: Crime statistics for March 1 to March 31 released by Phuket Provincial Police show that reports of violent crime in Phuket rose by 130% compared with the same period last year.

Three murders and nine attempted murders were reported, with two and eight arrests made respectively. There were 27 reports of assault with 16 arrests made and eight reports of rape with six arrests made.

Vice, as usual, figured highly on list with 289 people arrested for gambling and 117 for prostitution.

Ninety-eight people were arrested in drug-related cases. Thirty-six people were arrested on ya bah (methamphetamine)-related charges, with 862 pills seized, and 36 people were arrested for possession of cannabis with 175.95 grams seized. Eighteen people were arrested for inhalant abuse with 11 bags and three cans seized.

Two people were arrested for heroin possession with 41.09 grams of the drug confiscated, five arrests involved krathom with 625 leaves seized, and one person was arrested for ice (crystal methamphetamine).

Eighty-seven cases of theft were reported to the police, including 12 motorcycles and one car being stolen. Arrests were made in 43 of the cases.

Thirteen people were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and seven people were arrested for possession or distribution of pornography.

There was one report of arson with one arrest made.