SEIZURE OF OPIUM

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2463, 17 May 1915, Page 7

SEIZURE OF OPIUM

CAPTURE BY A CUSTOMS OFFICER, Customs Officer A. W. Jackson, who was on. duty nil Wellington wharves last oveniug, captured a seaman on board the A. and A. Line's chartered steamer Invertay, who, it is alleged, was endeavouring to smuggle 10 tins of opium on shore. Since the vessel has arrived in New Zealand from New York, via Panama Canal, she lias boon under strict surveillance by Customs officers. The result was that while she was at Auckland the officials at that port, after a careful search in the bunkers, discovered a large quantity of opium which it was alleged belonged to members of t'ho Chinese crew. Jackson had been waiting and watching all the evening, and just about dusk he observed a man come down the gangway, look about him for a few minutes, and then go on board again. He was observed to speak to a Chinese on deck, and then he proceeded to the forecastle. The man's subsequent movements aroused suspicion, and when he landed on the King's Wharf and commenced to walk away Jackson followed him. About 200 yards behind the Customs officer came two Chinese. When the seaman reached tho vicinity of the Wool Wharf Jackson had: caught up to him. He was asked if he was carrying any dutiable goods and replied in the negative. Not satisfied, the officer asked if he had any objection to being searched. At once tho man made off, but he was not quick enough. He was brought back and searched in the presence of a Harbour Board official, and it is stated that tea tins of opium were found on him. The two Chinese, apparently scenting danger, meanwhile had cleared off.