DRUG TRAFFIC GOES ON

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5091, 21 February 1927, Page 2

DRUG TRAFFIC GOES ON

SELLERS ARE WARY. “SNIFF” NOW 7s 6d. SYDNEY, February 5. Tiic tragic death of D r - Richard Irving Duggle, the young English physician, and the pathetic case of the woman who was found crawling on ’her hands and knees along Martin Place, show how pressing was the need for legislation dealing with the drug evil.

Particularly sad features are connected with the death o>f Dr. Duggle, whose body was found lying on a mattress at his surgery in College Street, City. The man, it is said, was an experienced practitioner, and a number of his patients have spoken highly of his skill. The police have little doubt that he had been taking drugs gor some years. As far as is known, ill-health —which is generally responsible for driving people to drugs—was not the cause in his case, The two cases which have been brought to light during the week, following on the announcement that the drug Bill—the Police Offices Amendment Act—had been assented to by the Governor, has caused alarm amongst those who carry on the traffic. The price of drugs has already considerably increased, and addicts, it is said, are finding difficulty ip obtaining supplies. Most traders, it is reported, are disposing of their stocks as quickly as they possibly can at increased prices. "Sniffs” of cocaine, which could previously be obtained for 5s a packet, arc now being sold at 7s 6d, and even at this price the demand exceeds the supply. BOUGHT A BUSINESS. Several traders have /already “retired," and it is reported that one man has used the profits he made for the purpose of buying a business, and has settled down to a life of comparative honesty. An elderly woman who is known t,'» carry on a big trade in drugs at a house in the Darlinghurst district, has stated that she will have no trouble in obtaining supplies, but as she is running a risk of being fined anything up to £250, or being sentenced to 12 months’ gaol, she will only sell to old and trusted customers. A man who. is a reputed sly-grog sejler, as well as a drug trafficker, is. also determined, it is said, to carry on the trade, as he argues that he will double his present number of, customers, and that the increased prices will make the risk worth while. Though some of the traffickers are prepared to remain in “business,” the new Act has frightened addicts, many of whom spend all their money in purchasing “dope,” and who would be compelled ta serve a sentence if caught and convicted.

Although the new Act may not kill the traffic, it may have the effect of curing newcomers to drugs, and will doubtess check the introduction of many to the evil. Police authorities are confident that with the power given them under the new’ Act they will be able to step he trade. Whether they will or not remains to be but there is no doubt, that the legislation will at least prevent the growth of the dur se .