CHARGE OF DEALING IN OPIUM.

Press, Volume L, Issue 149814, 30 May 1914, Page 12

CHARGE OF DEALING IN OPIUM.

CHRISTCHURCH CHINAMAN

ARRESTED

Detectives Ward and Gibson last night arrested a Chinaman, named Armow, alias Joe Mow, on a charge of having opium in his possession, and also with selling tho drug. ■

The arrested man has a shop in Madras street, between Tuam and St. Asaph streets, and his premises have been under surveillance for a long time. When the detectives made their raid there was no smoking going on, but a search revealed tho presenco of a quantity of opium, "second" or smoked opium, which is used a second time, a pipe, and also a pair of scales used to weigh the drug.

The exhibits in tho case were shown a reporter last night by the detective. The opium, a dark, sticljy substance, very much like treacle, is held in tne flame of a lamp until it Boils, and is then • placed on the pipe, a long, clumsy affair, with a big mouthpiece, through which the fumes are Inhaled. The "second' looks like oiacklead, Out it has an odour all its own. One does not attempt to smell it twice. Tho scales were quite a work of art. 'xae case gave the appearance of a Chinese fiddle, bufc inside was a very delicate instrument, with a long ivory bar marked much like a thermometer.

Armow will appear fn the Magisrtrate's Court this morning, before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M.