He was not asked to plead; the hearing was held to consider an extension of New Zealander Halpin’s detention in custody while police continue their investigations.
Pol Lt Col Jamroon Prayduang of Chalong Police told The Phuket News that the extension was granted. Halpin neither applied for nor received bail, and he is now being held in Phuket Provincial Prison.
Police are currently waiting for forensic scientists to assess the purity of the ya ice seized from Halpin.
The purity of the drug may have a bearing on any prison sentence, should Halpin be found guilty. Usually, the higher the quality of the drug is, the longer will be the period of incarceration.