World Bulletin / News Desk

A one-time Nepalese crown prince, whose cousin wiped out most of his family in a violent killing spree, has been detained in Thailand on drug charges which could see him face time in jail, police said Wednesday.

The ex-Crown Prince of Nepal, Paras Shah, has been arrested for possession of over 10 grams of marijuana. He was caught by a member of staff at a hotel in which he had been staying, who then alerted authorities.

Bangkok police said Wednesday that since this is Shah’s second arrest for possession he may face jail time of no more than five years.

He was originally arrested last week but the case against him was only forwarded to the courts Wednesday.

He is currently out on bail and awaiting trial.

According to Thai police, Shah has previously been arrested on the resort island of Phuket for marijuana possession, while in Nepal he is reported to be a deeply unpopular figure because of a perceived playboy lifestyle.

In August 2000, Shah was alleged to have killed a popular folk singer with his car while intoxicated, resulting in more than 600,000 people signing a petition demanding that he be charged. An army officer later claimed responsibility for the accident.

Shah was arrested in December 2010 after a drunken row in which he reportedly opened fire at a son-in-law of a Nepalese deputy prime minister, accusing his relatives of conspiring against Nepal's then abolished monarchy.

Drugs had also played a role in Shah’s becoming crown prince, following the massacre of nine members of his family.

A June 15, 2001 report into the shootings said that on June 1, Crown Prince Dipendra, fueled by alcohol and drugs, shot dead the family members before turning his gun on himself.

Dipendra - in a coma - was then named king, the throne passing to Shah’s father on his death three days later.

Nepal's embassy in Bangkok told the Anadolu Agency on Wednesday that they were monitoring the situation, but had no further comments at this time.

Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008, though strong sentiments remain within the country to restore the throne.