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New Zealand ‘expat’ faces jail time in Thailand for drug possession
| Published: | 28 Dec at 12 PM |
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A New Zealand man is facing years in a Thai prison if convicted of being in possession of Class A drugs, reports from the Southeast Asian country state.
Forty-one-year-old Taylor Grainger was arrested and charged after local police allegedly found him with more than two grams of cocaine and methamphetamine in the hedonistic resort of Patong on the popular resort island, Phuket. Reports also claim that Grainger had overstayed his tourist visa after they found an expired passport at his home.
In addition to being a tourist hotspot, there are many long-stay foreigners on the island. While a large number live and work legally, it is not uncommon for many ‘expats’ to do so illegally, either going from one tourist visa to another or simply overstaying. There have been a number of cases involving people who have overstayed for years on end before being found out.
Grainger’s arrest came during a week-long crackdown on drugs on Phuket. If found guilty, he could be faced with several years in prison given Thailand’s strict laws on drugs.
Another New Zealand expat is already serving five years behind bars after being convicted of selling drugs to tourists and locals. Garry Halpin, 52, was arrested 12 months ago and sentenced in May. He had been working as a volunteer for the tourist police at the time of his arrest.
Forty-one-year-old Taylor Grainger was arrested and charged after local police allegedly found him with more than two grams of cocaine and methamphetamine in the hedonistic resort of Patong on the popular resort island, Phuket. Reports also claim that Grainger had overstayed his tourist visa after they found an expired passport at his home.
In addition to being a tourist hotspot, there are many long-stay foreigners on the island. While a large number live and work legally, it is not uncommon for many ‘expats’ to do so illegally, either going from one tourist visa to another or simply overstaying. There have been a number of cases involving people who have overstayed for years on end before being found out.
Grainger’s arrest came during a week-long crackdown on drugs on Phuket. If found guilty, he could be faced with several years in prison given Thailand’s strict laws on drugs.
Another New Zealand expat is already serving five years behind bars after being convicted of selling drugs to tourists and locals. Garry Halpin, 52, was arrested 12 months ago and sentenced in May. He had been working as a volunteer for the tourist police at the time of his arrest.
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