‘Respectable’ people behind drug deals?

Press, 24 May 1977, Page 2

‘Respectable’ people behind drug deals?

PA Hamilton The Commissioner of Police (Mr K. B. Burnside) believes “respectable people interested in big profits” are responsible for financing some of New Zealand’s drug deals. Mr Burnside painted a dim picture of New Zealand society in Hamilton yesterday. He cited a dramatic rise in illicit drug peddling, organised crime, and violence as being the main areas for concern. Mr Burnside did not elaborate on his drug financing assertion, but said that organised crime was firmly rooted in New Zealand. He said that the appearance of “Mr Big” on the

New Zealand criminal scene was a cause for public concern. Mr Burnside said that there was a greater willingness by better educated and more intelligent people to risk their reputation and liberty for high financial Stakes. These elements, combined with New Zealand’s emergence as a lucrative drug market, the wide range of attractive goods; and a new tolerance within society of crime and criminals, created almost perfect conditions for “the fertilisation of the I seeds of managed criminality,” he said. “Organised crime has; manifestea itself in many forms, but the most obvious has been the growth of night clubs, so-called sauna and massage parlours and other places of entertainment. “Underneath their facades the really lucrative activities of drug trafficking, gambling, sly grogging, distribution of pornography and deals in stolen property are often taking place.” Mr Burnside said that professional criminals had “elbowed” in on the bookmaking field, after pushing out some of the “small time” hotel bookmakers. "In many cases they have set up chains, with agents in hotels, clubs, poolrooms, and by telephone. But however profitable these bookmaking activities are, they usually cloak far more sinister deals in drugs and stolen goods.”

Mr Bumside said that New Zealand’s “Mr Big” in the criminal world usually owned a home "you or 1 woul envy,” dressed fashionably, and travelled extensively in New Zealand and overseas. “Mr Big” entertained lavishly, carried lots of spending money, and could be seen in flashy cars “with even flashier girlfriends.” Mr Bumside said that time and confidentiality precluded him from describing “Mr Big’s” activities in detail. i “You can be assured that he doesn’t sleep easy at [night, and he will be even Jess comfortable in the future.”