The Foreign Office (FO) handled 6,015 arrest cases involving British nationals abroad between April 2011 and March 2012. This was 6% more than in the previous 12 months and included a 2% rise in drug arrests. The figures, which include holidaymakers and Britons resident overseas, showed the highest number of arrests and detentions was in Spain (1,909) followed by the USA (1,305). Spanish arrests rose 9% in 2011/12, while the United States was up 3%. The most arrests of Britons for drugs was in the US (147), followed by Spain (141). The highest percentage of arrests for drugs in 2011/12 was in Peru where there were only 17 arrests in total, although 15 were for drugs. The FO said anecdotal evidence from embassies and consulates overseas suggested many incidents were alcohol-fuelled, particularly in popular holiday destinations such as the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, the Balearics (which include Majorca and Ibiza), Malta and Cyprus. Consular Affairs Minister Jeremy Browne said: "It is important that people understand that taking risks abroad can land them on the wrong side of the law. "The punishments can be very severe, with tougher prison conditions than in the UK. While we will work hard to try and ensure the safety of British nationals abroad, we cannot interfere in another country's legal system. "We find that many people are shocked to discover that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office cannot get them out of jail. We always provide consular support to British nationals in difficulty overseas. However, having a British passport does not make you immune to foreign laws and will not get you special treatment in prison."
Steven Peter Hipwell, 32, was arrested by Cherng Talay Police on December 22 at 4.30 pm allegedly in possession of two bags of cocaine
Steven Peter Hipwell, 32, was arrested by Cherng Talay Police on December 22 at 4.30 pm allegedly in possession of two bags of cocaine totaling 0.6 and 0.7 grams. His arrest came in a sting operation involving another Englishman ,who had been arrested on drug charges by police in Patong days earlier.Police alleged that David Pet had been caught with cocaine on Nanai Road, and while being held he told police that Hipwell had sold him the drugs.Police then arranged a sting and raid on Hipwell's house, where David ''bought'' the cocaine while police waited outside.Police searched Hipwell's home. Officers said they found another small packet of cocaine in a money jar.Hipwell is being held in Phuket jail while the court considers bail.Both Pet and Hipwell were living and working in Phuket, police say
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