Phuket Police arrest US drugs fugitive
Phuket Gazette


Officers arrested US drugs fugitive Joseph Hunter, 48, at his rented home in Phuket. Photo: Phuket Immigration

PHUKET: -- Officers led by Lt Gen Preawphan Damapong, the assistant police commissioner in charge of national drug suppression, this afternoon moved in and arrested American Joseph Manuel Hunter, 48, at his rented home in Kathu.

The squad of officers from Phuket Immigration and the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok arrived at the home, located near the Loch Palm Golf Course, at about 5pm.

Hunter is wanted for smuggling drugs into the US, Capt Angkarn Yasanop of Phuket Immigration explained to the Phuket Gazette.

“We were informed by the US Embassy in Bangkok today that Mr Hunter was in Phuket. A New York District Court issued a warrant for his arrest on July 17,” he said.

“He used his passport to enter Thailand at Phuket Airport on September 6 and was allowed to stay in Thailand until October 5. However, his passport was revoked by the US authorities on September 19,” he added.

Hunter was taken into custody and handed over to the Crime Suppression Division officers, who have already transported him to Bangkok

“There will be a press conference to announce the arrest of Mr Hunter at the Crime Suppression Division headquarters tomorrow,” Capt Angkarn said.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Phuket-Police-arrest-US-drugs-fugitive-22337.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-09-26

On the bright side, that was efficient, on the down side, Thailand needs to start more screening, there are far too many international fugitives heading here.

Well done to all concerned, now if you and the DSI could put at much effort into tracing home grown fugitives I would really take my hat off.

A worthy catch , and a worthwhile photo op, unlike the Italian overstayer which was pathetic .

"“There will be a press conference to announce the arrest of Mr Hunter at the Crime Suppression Division headquarters tomorrow,” Capt Angkarn said."

...anyone waiting for the obligatory finger-pointing moment that will put this mere take-down shot to shame? ;-} rap.

The arrest was professionalyl executed, appreciated , the follow up again as always, shows again the childish behaviour of some hunters showing their trophy! The second to the right will upset because his face is only half copied!

Perfect photo opportunity on the back of someone else's investigation. All the Thai's were asked to do was to pop around and pick him up.

the yanks should let the thais deal with him thai style, drug dealing maggot

Some nice cooperation there. Well done. (Do these lowlifes seriously think Thailand is some kind of safe house?)

the yanks should let the thais deal with him thai style, drug dealing maggot

Thai style? Pay off and walk?

Why is there never a photo op when Asians are arrested?

Why is there never a photo op when Asians are arrested?

That's not true Don, there are plenty of photo examples of Asians being arrested.

Thailand, hub of international criminal fugitives. At least Thailand can brag about being #1 at something.

Finally a Hub that works ..... Hub of international fugitives

Why is there never a photo op when Asians are arrested?

Then you never read the papers.

What the hell are they so proud of? They caught another small fish that nobody is interested in. And they had the nerve to smile on that photo lmfao. I think they should only take photos when they really did something that counts like arresting politicians.

Finally a Hub that works ..... Hub of international fugitives

A Hubble Bubble of No Toil but plenty of Trouble

A nice job by the BIB and Thailand will be all the better without the lousy low life drug dealer living here.

Hunter is wanted for smuggling drugs into the US

So why hang around in Phuket? He flew to Phuket and chose to stay there on an overstay knowing full well the authorities knew of his whereabouts.

Another 'quality tourist' heading out in hand cuffs.

Hunter became the hunted!

Decent shape for 48.

Good job by the Police; Another sleeze bag LEAVES THAILANS

Why is there never a photo op when Asians are arrested?

That's not true Don, there are plenty of photo examples of Asians being arrested.

because you've obviously been on tv for a while Don, if you haven't "seen" an Asian in an arrest shot on this site, there is a problem. .

I think it could be called "one eyed" . . . ???

OOPS>>>>SHOULD READ..."LEAVES THAILAND"

It's a court's job to decide if he is guilty or not.. my understanding is that he's been apprehended so he can stand trial as an accused (and presumed innocent) defendant.

Hunter is wanted for smuggling drugs into the US

So why hang around in Phuket? He flew to Phuket and chose to stay there on an overstay knowing full well the authorities knew of his whereabouts.

Another 'quality tourist' heading out in hand cuffs.

overstay? well read...

Hunter is wanted for smuggling drugs into the US

So why hang around in Phuket? He flew to Phuket and chose to stay there on an overstay knowing full well the authorities knew of his whereabouts.

Another 'quality tourist' heading out in hand cuffs.

overstay? well read...

I do apologise mr supaprik, indeed, well read!

He obviously didn't know it was revoked and maybe planning his next move.

Some nice cooperation there. Well done. (Do these lowlifes seriously think Thailand is some kind of safe house?)

Come one come al. Not only will you be free frm prosecution but you can live in a farang paradise of lbfm's for the rest of your...... Those days are over dirt bag eat incarceration

Alleged US drug smuggler arrested in dramatic Phuket raid



PHUKET: American national Joseph Manuel Hunter, 48, was arrested following a raid yesterday afternoon on a property in Kathu by local police and officers from the Bangkok-based Crime Suppression Division.

According to reports, the alleged drug smuggler was tracked down following the issuing of an arrest warrant by a New York court on July 17.

Hunter has already been taken to Bangkok, where a press conference will be held later today (September 26) at the headquarters of the Crime Suppression Division.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/alleged-us-drug-smuggler-arrested-in-dramatic-phuket-raid-42096.php

-- Phuket News 2013-09-26

Why are so many of you anti drug dealer yet you have no trouble buying the same from a doctor or pharmacist. I would ask understanding rather than condemnation. This guy is about to have his whole llife ripped apart by the US probably forever unless he has a hell of a lot of money for a very good lawyer:)