Caught Red-Handed.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 94, 14 April 1914, Page 5

Caught Red-Handed.

A CHINAMAN ARRESTED. WHILE SMUGGLING OPIUM. [Per Press Association.] Palmerston N., April 11. A Chinaman alighted from the Auckland express at 12.30 on Good Friday morning with a suspiciouslooking parcel under his arm. This attracted the attention of Detective Quirke, who wanted to know what it contained. The Celestial didn't wait to explain, but dropped the parcel and made a dash off the platform, but the detective easily captured him. An examination of the parcel proved that it contained seven sealed tins of opium valued at £22. Accused, Ah Foy, appeared before Mr Poynton, S.M., this morning. Sub-Inspector Marsack, in asking for the maximum penalty, said that to the knowledge of the police accused had been acting as a distributor for an opium syndicate for some time. He made a habit of meeting Eastern boats and receiving opium and carrying it through the country. He had been unable before to get sufficient evidence to convict. This time he was caught red-handed. The maximum penalty of £SO was imposed. Accused said lie would not pay, but would go to gaol, the Inspector intimating that the syndicate would probably pay the fine. It is stated that the- quantity of opium taken is the greatest haul yet made in an inland town in New Zealand.