DANGEROUS DRUGS

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1927, Page 4

DANGEROUS DRUGS

A DRASTIC BILL. WELLINGTON, July 12. The penal clauses of the Dangerous Drugs Bill, introduced hy the Minister of Justice, show that its provisions will ho stringently enforced. The measure will control the importation, exportation, manufacture, sale, distribution, use and possession of certain drugs, described as dangerous. These are raw opium, prepared opium and medicinal opium, morphine, diaeetyimorphine, coca leaf, cocaine and crude cocaine, ccgonine, Indian hem]) and preparations thereof, any salt of the enumerated drugs and any preparation containing more than, one-filth per cent cocaine or ccgonine. These drugs may only he handled under license, and no persons may import or export prepared opium nor may this form of drug lie manufactured, sold or distributed. The occupier and every person concerned in the management of premises used for the preparation of opium for smoking or for its storage or concealment is liable to a fine of £290 or two months’ imprisonment, or to both fine and imprisonment. Persons having opium pipes or apparatus in their possession are liable to a fine oi £IOO. and any person who smokes opium or is found without lawful excuse <ui premises used for this purpose may be lined £SO. Dispensing with wai rants to detect offences against the Act, Justices are authorised to issue search warrants, or, in the case of premises occupied hy Chinese and suspected of being used for opium smoking, a constable may exercise search without warrant. There is also power to arrest without warrant persons suspected of offences against the Act, and if the information is laid hy a medical officer of health of collector of Customs they may be tried summarily. The penalty for illegal import or export of dangerous drugs is £SOO or twelve months’ imprisonment, or Doth. Similar heavy penalties are prescribed for illegal manufacture or sale, or aiding or abetting the commission ol an oil', me against corresponding laws in another country. failure to comply with license conditions involves a penalty cl Lid l , while a false statement means a pcissh lo fine of £2o’) or three months’ imprisonment, or both. i'koio is a general penal (lapse lor other offence against the Act. ]i! -:( rihing a. fine ol £■■!>. anil in < o v ease the minimum line is to he m l loss than one-fourth of the maximum. Power is given to tinier !orfeiture of goods involved in an Hierce. Another important clause provides Ihnl where a, person < invicted t.i an oii’encc is a member of a c -mp.inv ivory director and every ciheer eowrued in the management shall be guilty of a like oll'cme unless l.e p roves that I lie act constituting the offence took place without his knowledge or consent. Power to make regulations includep, .vision for (ondilions tor the issue ! y registered doctors, dentists or veterinary surge;;::-, oi prescriptions containing any dangerous drug. An offence aga'list the regulations invalve., a line ol £lO2 or three month'-' imp! isonment.