Opium Drug Found in Transit

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 32, 8 February 1937, Page 5

Opium Drug Found in Transit

PACKED WITH TOMATOES. TAURANGA, Feb. 3. Fines totalling £125 were imposed at the Police Court to-day on two Chineso named Dong Wai and Joe Chong Keo on charges of being in possession of prepared opium and pipes used for opium smoking. Sergeant A. Henderson prosecuted. The evidence of the police in the case against Dong Wai showed that tho opium and pipes were found in his dwelling. Dong Wai, in hi* evidence, stated that the pipes and opium' belonged tp another Chinese who had been in his employ and loft six months ago. The evidence against Joe Chong Keo disclosed that the opium was consigned to him by rail in a case of tomatoes, the bottom of which fell out at a railway station and disclosed the opium in an ordinary cigarette packet. The poiico also stated that a Maori woman told them that both the accused smoked opium. Joe Chong Kee was lined £75, and Dong Wai £SO, in default six months’ imprisonment. A fortnight was allowed in which to pay, conditional on each accused reporting daily to the police. The opium and pipes were confiscated. The Bench said they took a very serious view of the charges, because Maoris* might be involved under the circumstances as disclosed in Court. The cases should also act as a warning to the Maoris against allowing their women to associate with those who disregarded the law In regard to opium.