Blitz on selling of narcotics

Press, 14 May 1985, Page 12

Blitz on selling of narcotics

Special correspondent Hotel patrons and high school pupils have been searched by the Queenstown police in a blitz on the sale of narcotics in the town. Reports had been made to the police of high school children taking large quantities of psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms.

One youngster was thought to have taken 65 magic mushrooms and another became violently ill and was admitted to hospital after taking 25, the police said. Instances of drug dealing in Queenstown hotels has resulted in moves by the police to clear the town of narcotics. “There are a lot of narcotics in this town and we have to get rid of them,” said Detective K. R. Jensen,

of the Queenstown police. Drugs and alcohol were a problem in the town and large numbers of under-age drinkers were being reported by hotels. The police have made one arrest for the possession of psilocybin, and have warned that anyone suspected of dealing in or possessing narcotics could expect to be investigated. The police searched lockers and school bags at the Queenstown high school last week and a small quantity of cannabis was found.

A male pupil, aged 16, was found to be responsible and his parents have since removed him from the school. The school has sent a letter to all parents telling them of the incident, the first drugs discovery at the school.

The principal, Mr K. W.

Robertson, said staff had now called for better drug education at the school and the present policy would be reassessed early next term. Magic mushrooms and other drugs were being sold to youngsters by adults, Detective Jensen said.

Hotel proprietors had been helpful to the police and were keeping a look out.

Detective Jensen warned that psilocybin was a Class A drug and harsh penalties were imposed for dealing in it. Those facing the more serious dealing charges could be sentenced to life imprisonment.

There had been a definite upsurge in all crime with increased building and development in the resort recently and Detective Jensen said that drugs were only part of the problem.