LIQUOR RAIDS

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1929, Page 6

LIQUOR RAIDS

VAST CAPTURES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) NEW YORK, Oct. 17. Working like an army in a mass attack, thirty-five groups of Federal prohibition agents conducted a series of simultaneous raids from Atlantic city in New Jersey to the tip of Long Island. Thirty-two men were arrested, and so far, untold quantities of liquor have been sc.zed. The raids were directed against one 01 the largest liquor combinations of tne country. According to the authorities, this gang operates a fleet of ships, speed boats, and numerous trucks. It has strongholds and caches in many coastal towns, its directors being the biggest “Rum Kings” who have been in gaol. Numerous hotels and other buildings belonging to the organisation were also raided, including the head-quar-ters in Central New York City, but the most important capture was a heavily barricaded building at Atlantic Highlands, in New Jersey. Therein there were found vaults, gun emplacements, innumerable rounds ol airmunition, firearms of all types, and liquor stores. Nearby was an unlicensed radio station which has been reported as sending in an unknown code, and which led to the original investigation.

Government agents are now operating the station, and are using the code. Off the coast there lies a liquorladen freighter and the agents are advising her: “Coast clear! Come ahead!” When this vessel docks, it will be seized.