Theft inquiry after death

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33963, 2 October 1975, Page 16

Theft inquiry after death

The police believe that a young man who died in Christchurch Hospital on Tuesday morning might have injected himself with an overdose of drugs. His death has been linked with the burglary of two chemist’s shops a few hours before he died.' Four other persons who | were with him before he I was rushed to hospital, from la house in Cashel Street about 6 a.m. on Tuesday, jhave been charged with drug offences. Detective Inspector R. N, Macdonald said yesterday that the Coroner’s report had not been made, but it

was probable that the man’s death had been caused by the drug overdose. “We think the young man might have injected himself with a substance which he wrongly thought was cocaine, and died as a result,” Mr Macdonald said. The man was Lee Edward: [McDougall, aged 21, of [Christchurch. Of the four persons arrested, two were charged with the burglary of the two pharmacies, the third with being in possession of a syringe for the purpose of administering cocaine, and the fourth for using morphine, Mr Macdonald said. The police had also taken possession of a quantity of drugs as a result of their inquiries. The police are concerned about the upsurge in the use of drugs, and offences related to drugs. I In the past week there has [been an armed robbery of a ' chemist, and seven burglar- ’ ies of chemist shops. Nine people have been arrested on charges relating to addic[tive drugs. On Tuesday night drugs [were stolen from a chemist’s shop in New Brighton after [the burglars had broken ! through the roof. Two doctors’ surgeries were entered in the same evening but nothing was stolen. The intruders used keys. Another 21-year-old died in a city hotel as a result of a drug overdose in early August. Last week the Christ- ! church Coroner (Mr E. B. E. [Taylor) heard that Robin’ [Davis Weir died after he [had injected himself with [morphine products.

Motor racing. — Thirty-three cars are entered for the final of the winter series of long-distance races for G.T. cars at Levin on Sunday. Entries for the race, the Shell 100, include all six cars whose drivers have a chance of winning the four-race series, which began at Manfield in June. Drivers include lan Tulloch, Wavne Wilkinson, Dave Baker, Kevin McNamara, Don Scott and Brian Green. Merv Neil, Neville Chricton, Pau! Hammond, and the championship challengers. Jim Little and Gary Sprague.