SMUGGLERS BUSY.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1927, Page 4

SMUGGLERS BUSY.

LONDON, Aug. 9. There are further indications that the recent revival in smuggling threatens to assume proportions which will have a serious effect upon flic revenue. The smugglers at work on the south and east coasts are reported to be bringing off coups which represent the loss of very large sums to the Exchequer. It is known that some of the smugglers have their headquarters in Boulogne, and in some of the less reputable cafes of that town men can lie found who openly boast of their illicit traffic. Others operate from Du toll ports. Wines and spirits, silks, dyes, chemicals. cigars and tobaccos, and saccharin are among the articles smuggled. With the exception of wines and spirits all these articles, on which there are heavy duties, are small in bulk and can be easily dealt with consignments of great value occupying hut little room. A motor boat can run a cargo the intrinsic value of which runs into thousands of pounds, while on this side of the Channel it can be easily distributed by means of motor cars. The smugglers are well organised. They know exactly where to dispose of their cargoes in London—there are many * 'merchants’ 1 in the East End (and also in the West End) who will handle all that they can bring across the Channel without asking questions and at prices which, while they give a handsome return to the smugglers, permit the receiver to make, a big profit.