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| Aussie tourist on Phuket drugs rap |
Australian Richard Beaver in handcuffs at Chalong Police Station in Phuket yesterday. |
CHALONG, PHUKET: -- An Australian tourist was one of five drug suspects paraded by Chalong Police at a press conference in Phuket yesterday afternoon.
Richard Beaver, 28, was allegedly caught with 0.9 grams of dry marijuana by police on Tuesday night.
Mr Beaver was stopped on Soi Samakee 2 off Saiyuan Road at around 11:30pm.
The tourist allegedly told police he bought the drugs for 500 baht from a Patong Beach dealer.
Mr Beaver arrived in Phuket on March 10 for a holiday and planned to stay on the island for one month.
Whether he makes it home within the planned time will now depend on how quickly a court hearing can be held.
Four Thais caught with small quantities of ya bah (crystal methamphetamine) were also paraded at the conference, which took place at Chalong Police Station.
Chalong Police Superintendent Wichit Intharasorn said his men were cracking down heavily on drug crime.
"Those involved with drugs should turn over a new leaf right away, before they get arrested and punished," he said.
Col Wichit warned that the punishment for serious drug crimes was execution.
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| Aussie awaits Phuket drug trial |
Mr Beaver (far right) with other drug suspects at Chalong Police Station in Phuket. |
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 PHUKET: An Australian man arrested for possession of marijuana in Phuket faces a possible prison sentence of up to a year and a fine of up to 20,000 baht.
Richard Beaver, 28, was arrested on March 16 by Chalong Police and presented in court the next day.
The tourist, who is currently out on bail, is awaiting formal charges to be filed by the prosecutor, a process that can take up to 84 days.
Mr Beaver entered Thailand on March 10 and planned to stay for one month.
"Right now we are still investigating and collecting evidence and it may take a month until we can send the case to the prosecutor. After that, it is up to the prosecutor to decide on a trial date," said Duty Officer Tianchai Duangsuwan.
"Although out on bail, the suspect must remain in Thailand until the conclusion of the case," he added.
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