Thai court agrees to keep reputed major weapons trafficker in custody

Thai police received court permission Saturday to keep in custody a reputed major Russian arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death," who was arrested in a U.S.-led sting operation that lured him from his home in Moscow.

Viktor Bout, 41, was arrested Thursday at a luxury hotel in Bangkok and held on charges of engaging with and supporting terrorist groups.

The Bangkok Criminal Court authorized his continued detention Saturday while investigation of his case continued. Suspects may be held for up to 84 days without being formally charged.

Thai and U.S. authorities both said Friday they could file terrorism charges against Bout, and a war …