No raids on ski-fields

Press, 30 August 1977, Page 6

No raids on ski-fields

Canterbury ski-fields are; free of any major narcotic I problem according to the, regional co-ordinator of the 1 C. 1.8. in Christchurch (De-: tective Chief Superintendent; E. G. Perry). Mr Perry, who is also acting head of the Christchurch police district, said there had been no raids on the Mount Hutt or Tekapo skifields — which came within his region — or. as far as he knew, on the Coronet Peak ski-field. Coronet Peak is outside the Christchurch region.

Mr Perry was commenting on reports in “The Press” last week on drug sales on Canterbuiy ski-fields. “It is found necessarv to state this in order to allay fears of parents and others who are in many ways associated with ski-fields.

"In particular 1 mean the; management of these places,” said Mr Perry.

"There have been no known apprehensions of American nationals import-) Ing narcotics for the purpose i of supplying to ski-fields,” | he said. “Inquiries have in'

[fact been made about narIcotics on ski-fields and. at [this juncture, apart from [isolated instances, there is [nothing to indicate they [exist there more than in any ■ other sphere of society,” said Mr Perry. "The allegation that Americans are bringing in more than 1000 sticks (of cannabis) — and more likely 5000 to 10,000 sticks — is completely unsubstantiated. “That is in relation to skifields,” said Mr Perry. Asked about his persistent • use of the phrase "ski-fields" [in relation to drug sales and [whether he meant this to 'enrompass skiers’ dormitory 'towns such as Methven, Mr Perry said: “I would rather [not enlarge on that, except,' ;perhaps, to make the point) 1 that investigations have I been made In relation to ■ genera! areas — but not! ' specifically to ski-fields.” Mr Perry said the articles in “The Press” had been based on “informal discussions” with the officer in charge of the Christchurch! drug squad (Detective Ser-| geant J. J. Chadderton).