Gun-toting Aussie tourist nabbed with crystal meth in Phuket

Phuket Gazette -

Mark Robert Coutelas, 53, was found with an illegal handgun, a BB gun and 530mg of crystal meth. Photo: Patong Police

PHUKET: Patong Police arrested an Australian tourist today after finding him in possession of 530mg of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine), a gun, and ammunition.

Mark Robert Coutelas, 53, was apprehended at the Green Mango Apartment complex on Nanai Road after the police received a tip-off.

“We went to the apartment and found Mr Coutelas at his rental room at about 2pm,” said Lt Col Suttichai Thianpho of the Patong Police.

“We searched the room and found 530mg of ya ice in a small plastic bag and drug paraphernalia. We also found an illegal 9mm handgun, bullets and a BB gun.”

Mr Coutelas was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of a Category 1 Drug, said Col Suttichai.

“A woman showed up after the raid and told police that she and Mr Coutelas were dating,” added Col Suttichai. “But we did not press charges against her, as she was not present when officers searched the apartment.”

“We are questioning both Mr Coutelas and his female companion about the gun and possible drug networks.”

Police declined to name Mr Coutelas' female companion.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Guntoting-Aussie-tourist-nabbed-crystal-meth-Phuket/29583#ad-image-0

-- Phuket Gazette 2014-05-27

The place is a magnet for crooks unfortunately.

Seems to be pretty complacent in the photo, does he know something we do not?

Just one of the respectable retirees supplementing their pension with a small business, nothing to see here. Unless *gasp* he was abusing visa-exempt rules.

Another quality tourist.

Seems to be pretty complacent in the photo, does he know something we do not?

Looks more like wind to me.

If it weren't for the gun I might feel sorry for him. Thailand seems to be full of grasses, most definitely no honour amongst theives in these parts.

Quality tourist as it's best

Where did he get his gun from? Hiw can a farang buy a gun in Thailand?

Where did he get his gun from? Hiw can a farang buy a gun in Thailand?

"Hiw can a farang buy a gun in Thailand?" - probably the same way he can engage the services of a prostitute in Thailand.

Just because it's illegal, doesn't mean it's unavailable.

seems to be in good shape for being 53..

If it weren't for the gun I might feel sorry for him. Thailand seems to be full of grasses, most definitely no honour amongst theives in these parts.

Honour among thieves is a good thing?

If it weren't for the gun I might feel sorry for him. Thailand seems to be full of grasses, most definitely no honour amongst theives in these parts.

Honour among thieves is a good thing?

Well it is for the thieves, if not for the rest of us........

https://plus.google.com/105443070073745244177/posts must have a long tourist visa

https://plus.google.com/105443070073745244177/posts must have a long tourist visa

Might be a border runner. The new policy is going to make it hard for these types.

I presume this is the gun in question. photo taken from his face book page https://www.facebook.com/mark.coutelas?fref=ts I also see that he has time in Thai custody already.

Well his visa issues are the least of his worries now, Phuket is a magnet for idiots.

I wonder how many pics of his 'sexy time' pals he'll post from jail? Seems like a Phuket version of that buffoon with the tats in Pattaya. He;ll probably be back out and about in a day or so too...

Who said the gun was his? How do you know it doesnt belong to the girlfriend?

Another farang who thinks he can get away here with stuff he can t get away with at home.

Crazy drug for crazy people. He don't look impressed.

Just another bag of $hit excuse for a human. 20+ in the slammer for him.

Must be a mistake though...how could he be Australian with a name like that? Must be European.

That's a joke. I wonder if the gf dropped him in? BiB get a conviction, gf gets the cash stash, and everybody's happy except the yob.

The pic in chooka's post is not of the ugly Australian with the gun.

This guy is a everything an Aussie Yob and a Bogan represents.... sadly there plenty

more where this fine specimen comes from....

Just one of the respectable retirees supplementing their pension with a small business, nothing to see here. Unless *gasp* he was abusing visa-exempt rules.

530mg is 0.53gm

Really small business that.

This guy is a everything an Aussie Yob and a Bogan represents.... sadly there plenty

more where this fine specimen comes from....

Unfortunately you're right.

If I was in power I'd cull them.

Is the BB gun legal?

If it weren't for the gun I might feel sorry for him. Thailand seems to be full of grasses, most definitely no honour amongst theives in these parts.

Have you EVER seen the behavior of someone high on meth ? ? ? - add to that a loaded 9mm hand-gun and what you've got is an extremely dangerous situation ! ! ! I don't care if people want to put drugs into their bodies, but I certainly do care about morons like this, who could easily go on a shooting-spree and hurting/killing totally innocent bystanders ! ! !

Hope they lock-up this piece of cr@p and throw away the key !

Another "wannabee" gangster off the the "Bangkok Hilton" to hang with the real ones...

Meth makes people crazy.

Looks like a jerk!!!!!!!!