CHINESE RAIDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 627, 2 April 1929, Page 10

CHINESE RAIDED

E NTRY THROUGH SKYLIGHT Dramatic circumstances in which he entered an alleged opium den were described at the Thames Court, London, by Detective Albert Edwards. Five Chinese, Leong Kwai, Yon Ah Hing, Ping Yow, Chong Hen and Choy Wong, weer charged with being in possession of opium and opium smoking utensils. The detective told how he went with Detective Black to premises in Dimehouse Causeway. As he was about to drop through the skylight a Chinese shouted out something in his own language and ran downstairs. Dropping through the skylight, witness went into the top front room, where there were three beds. On each of two of the beds reclined two Chinese, and between each were a lighted opium pipe and a lighted lamp. Small packets of prepared opium were near the lamps—two packets on one bed and two (used) on the other. There were also “prickers” and “scrapers” on each bed. A fifth Chinese was sitting on the third bed. On a table near were two packets of smoked opium. In the back room on the same floor In a hole in the wall was a basket which could be lov.».red on a piece of string. Witness pulled the basket up, and found in ’’it a tin containing prepared opium and another tin containing smoked opium. On the floor, in a piece of brown paper, was a quantity of brown substance, which appeared to be raw opium. Prisoners, when charged, made no reply. Accused were remanded.