Narcotics charges

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32702, 3 September 1971, Page 16

Narcotics charges

(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, Sept. 2. A charge of possessing 1959 flakes of the narcotic Lysergide (LSD) on August 4 in Dunedin was laid against John Charles Smith, aged 25, a technician, in the Dunedin Magistrate’s Court this morning. Smith pleaded not guilty and elected trial by jury.

Depositions on charges against Smith of importing and supplying the narcotic were set down for hearing this morning. But Smith, on these charges, was further remanded by Mr J. D. Murray; S.M., until September 30 at the request of counsel, Mr G. R. Lascelles (Christchurch). The Magistrate, however, declined to grant Smith bail, which previously had been allowed.

In his application for an adjournment, Mr Lascelles said that he and his client were not ready to proceed with the depositions. "The defendant is still seeking information from overseas sources,” Mr Lascelles said. “The police have had months to prepare facts for this case but I have had only a matter of weeks. I feel it is in the interests of justice

that an adjournment be granted,” said Mr Lascelles. His client was entitled to an adjournment. He was concerned that he should have to justify the request, Mr Lascelles said.

“I do not want to prolong this case,” he said. “It is an inconvenience for me to have to come tripping down to Dunedin from Christchurch to ask for adjournments.” The Magistrate adjourned the charges to September 30 for hearing. “I am concerned that there be no suggestion of anything but justice being done in mis court. Justice must also be seen to be done,” he said. Mr Lascelles said: “I cannot reasonably see that I will be ready to proceed (with the depositions) on September 30. I might seek a further adjournment’*