Garry Halpin, 52, an expat from New Zealand, has been nabbed by the authorities in Phuket, Thailand over allegations of peddling crystal meth drugs to tourists and locals.

Riot police arrest an anti-government protester during clashes in the village of Sanabis west of Manama December 3, 2013. Anti-government protesters clashed with riot police after visiting the grave of Ahmed Abdul-Ameer, who died on Saturday. According to police Abdul-Ameer died after suffering burns as he tried to set up a warehouse on fire during an anti-government protest. Opposition activists said he died when he tried to burn tires on a road to create roadblocks in the village. REUTERS/Stringer

Local Phuket News reported that at the time of Halpin's arrest in Phuket Saturday night, at least 18 grams of crystal methamphetamine were found in his possession, including drug-related equipment such as scales and a makeshift pipe for smoking ice.

Phuket police organized a sting operation to capture Halpin who was positively negotiating with Nan Thaitae, a 25-year-old Thai man. The latter alleged the Kiwi national bought crystal meth from him. The New Zealander reportedly will sell the prohibited drugs to tourists and teenagers, according to Nan.

Locals who heard of Halpin's arrest were surprised.

"Not only because number one, it's him, but number two, it's ya ice, and he's probably going to get life [in prison] for that, or a long sentence anyway," Phuket News quoted an unidentified Phuket expat who personally knew Halpin.

It was later learned that Halpin was a long-time tourist police volunteer.

"He was a useful contact to have, and he spoke reasonable Thai. He was a nice guy, and very helpful. I've never heard anyone say a bad word about him."

Officials at New Zealand's consul in Bangkok had contacted the Thai police wanting to speak to Halpin and offer consular assistance.

If convicted, he will face life imprisonment. Halpin denied the allegations stressing he ever sold drugs to tourists, according to tourism news website Phuketwan.

He added he had not signed a statement or made a confession.