Vice Squad’s Work In Christchurch

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31006, 11 March 1966, Page 12

Vice Squad’s Work In Christchurch

The Christchurch vice squad, which was formed four months ago, has not charged any person with being in possession of narcotics. Nor has the squad seized any illegal drugs.

The squad, consisting of a sergeant and three constables, is also concerned with combating prostitution, gaming and sly-grogging offences. It has been responsible for three prosecutions arising from prostitution and two for illegal gaming.

I The head of the Christchurch C. 1.8. (Detective-Sup-jerintendent F. A. Gordon) i questioned yesterday about [narcotics (specifically heroin, hashish and opium) in Christchurch, said that the police knew of the presence of narcotics “to a degree.” To further questions, he said that some opium had come into the possession of the vice squad. The police had no knowledge of local peddling of hashish or heroin.

“The task of the squad is to prevent the spread of narcotics in the city. If the situation stays the way it is at present, we will be satisfied,”

Mr Gordon said. “The problem is worse in the North Island. There is drug peddling in New Zealand. Prosecutions show that.” Mr Gordon said the vice squad was also interested in preventing the illegal use of habit-forming drugs such as barbiturates. This was more of a problem, to date, in Christchurch than narcotics.

“Surprisingly, there is a considerable degree of prostitution in Christchurch. Prosecutions show that mainly girls are involved,” he said. A display of narcotics from the United States has been brought to New Zealand and is being shown to policemen here for information. The narcotics will be displayed in public from March 14 to March 18 at a D.S.I.R. exhibition at the Government buildings, Worcester street.