Pubdate: Tue, 24 May 2005
Source: Phuket Gazette (Thailand)
Copyright: 2005 Phuket Gazette Co. Ltd
Contact: http://phuketgazette.net/contactus/index.asp
Website: http://phuketgazette.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2769

DRUG CASES TOP CRIME STATS AGAIN

PHUKET: Drugs were yet again the main cause for arrests in Phuket in April,
according to the latest Provincial Police crime statistics.

A total of 93 people were arrested for drug-related offenses between April 1
and April 30, compared with 81 arrests in March.

Possession of ya bah (methamphetamine) accounted for the largest number of
arrests -- 38 -- in April, followed by marijuana possession, for which
people 30 were arrested.

Of the remaining 25 drugs arrests, 20 were for substance abuse, three were
for using krathom (a local plant that is a stimulant when ingested), one
involved Ecstasy and one involved hashish.

Three murders were reported, with one arrest made in each of two cases. The
remaining case is still under investigation.

Four attempted murders were reported, with no arrests made, as well as 26
cases of causing bodily harm, for which 14 arrests were made.

Two rapes were reported, with an arrest made in each case, while 24 people
were arrested for prostitution.

There were 52 reported cases of theft, with 35 people arrested involving 28
incidents. Six of the thefts were snatch-and-run, with two people being
charged in connection with four of the incidents.

A total of five motorcycles were reported stolen, with six arrests made in
relation to four of the thefts. One car was reported stolen, with no arrest
yet made. 
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