ANOTHER OPIUM RAID.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 130, 2 June 1923, Page 12

ANOTHER OPIUM RAID.

AH TONG FINED £50. INTENSE CRAVING FOR DRUG. Ah Tong, tlie occupier of premises in Grey Street, who was recently before the Court and heavily lined for having opium in his possession, again figured in the Police Court yesterday afternoon, when he was fined £50 for Laving been found in possession of a small quantity of the drug. Wong Chuck, previously the occupier of the premises, proved to the satisfaction of Mr. -I. W. Poynton, S.M.. that he was not now the tenant, having transferred the lease to Ah Tong. and be was now virtually a boarder. In consideration of these circumstances, two charges relating to the possession of opium were dismissed. Senior Detectives and Ward deposed to having visited the premises, where they found a little pot of opium in a meat safe, and on top of the safe there was the bowl of an opium pipe, and a small tin. which had contained opium. Ah Tong told the detectives that he smoked downstairs, nnd they found that the basement was fitted up for smoking, all the necessary paraphernalia being in evidence. Tlie police did not. believe that Wong Chuck (who opened the dor lo let them in) was a smoker. Mr. Learv, who appeared for both accused, said Ah Tong was a victim of the drug. The craving for opium, once the habit had gained a hold, was intense. It was one of tbe most intense cravings known to science. Ah Tong had previously been fined, but he was trying to break himself of the habit. Pills found in Tong's possession had been used for tbe purpose of alleviating the craving, said Mr. I.oary. Tn fining All Tong £T>o, his Worship said it was a bad case. The penalty bad to be substantial.