CHEATING THE CUSTOMS.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1934, 17 December 1913, Page 7

CHEATING THE CUSTOMS.

COSTLY EXPLOIT.. -••• (By Telejranh—Presa Asaooldtlon.l Auckland) December 16. The. prosecution of. Lionel Cohen by tho Customs Department was heard in the Police Court to-day by Mr. Fraser, S.M. Defendant pleaded guilty to two charges brought against him. Tho first was that, on December 3, when landing from the Mahono, ho declared that he lad no dutiable goods in his luggage or on his person, whereas a search revealed that ho brought ashoro five gold watches, bracelets, ono rolled gold watch, and ono pair of oar-rings, valued at £3D. Tho second charge was that; on December 9, ho) mado a false, declaration as to tho value of certain watches. • "The-whole of the circumstances arc suspicious," said Mr. Fraser. Tho story as to why the articles wero placed in various parts of the bag was rather far-fetehed. ' Ho did not soo how ho could be expected to bcliovo the explanation that had been offered in the statement. "With regard to the false declaration, thcro might be an element of truth. He would regard it as, a first offence. On that chargo tho fino would bo £100, and he would reduce it to £25, under Section 202. On the other charge a fine of £100 and costs Vpuld be imposed.