Phuket Tourist police volunteer to be charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell

On the 14^th of December last year well known Phuket tourist police volunteer Garry Halpin was arrested for dealing drugs to tourists and local teens.

The 52 year old was arrested at the Chalong Villa and Spa where he was found in possession of 18g of crystal methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a digital scale and some cough syrup.

Lt. Col Jarun Bangrasert of the Phuket Provincial Police said that Garry had long been a tourist police volunteer and always helped the Chalong police to communicate with tourists, but the connection he had formed by working closely with the police had been used to convince foreigners that he could do what he liked, right or wrong. However when 25 year old Lersak Thaitae was arrested on December 13^th he told police that he had sold ice to Mr. Halpin who intended to distribute the drugs to tourist and teenagers in the area.

A sting operation was quickly put together and Mr. Hapin was arrested and accepted the charges.

The Phuket Provincial Court denied bail for the long term ex pat who was held in Phuket Provincial Jail. The police then had to wait for drug test results before handing the case to the public prosecutor.

The drug test, that has just come back positive, is the last piece of evidence that the police needed before sending the case to court. The case has now been handed over to the public prosecutor who will formally charge Mr. Halpin with possession of a category 1 drug with intent to sell.

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