SMUGGLED OPIUM.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18236, 21 November 1924, Page 3

SMUGGLED OPIUM.

. *— —"■ RAMIFICATIONS OF A SXNDI- ■ ' GATE. ' : "'X ■ (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELZQBAM.) PALMERSTON N., November 20. In the Police Court, Sue Kwbng, a Chinese restaurant keeper, was charged with being in possession of smuggled goods and opium in a form suitable for smoking, and also with being found smoking opium. He pleaded guilty to the first charge, but denied the second. The exhibits in the case included _ a complete . smoking outfit, . comprising pipes, and scales for weighing the drug and other apparatus; ... _ . The charges were the sequel to a raid on the premises kept by defendant, ostensibly as a restaurant. Detective Holmes, in asking for a substantial penalty, said that, accused came from Wanganui at the instigation of what appeared to be a syndicate, two months ago, his premises in David street being leased. It appeared that the place had been fitted up as a gambling house and opium den. The premises bore on the window the sign "Sue Kwong, Merchant," but witness had seldom seen the door open, and only a few articles of merchandise were displayed. The back entrance was wired up and all precautions were taken against a surprise visit. No doubt a regular system had been carried on. Defendant was fined £75, in default three months' hard labour, on the first charge, and"£s, in default two months' hard labour, on the second charge.