THE DRUG HABIT

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2996, 6 February 1917, Page 6

THE DRUG HABIT

COCAINE SNUFF HAWKED IN LONDON. STEEETS. : . . ' Eemarkable disclosures of the increasing use of deadly drugs were made in a London Police Court recently. Seven men were charged with being concerned in the Bale of cocaine to a member of His Majesty's Forces tit various dates in July, the same not having been "ordered by a registered medical .practitioner. The prosecuting counsel, in opeiiing the proceedings, said the use of cocaine in this country had- increased enormously, of late. The habit appeared to- have beon brought here with the Canadian soldiers, and it was to be hoped that in. the' near fnt.ure the attention oi . tho House of Commons would be called to the matter so' that legislation might he introduced dealing with the sale of the drug. Cocaine in proper hands was a useful drug, and was used by dentists as a local anaesthetic and also hypodermicaliy. Since' the war commenced it had been sold in'the streets in the powdered form in small boxes, for each of which - half a crown was charged,- although the same quantity a short time previously could have been puwhased for a few pence. The powder, was sold principally to soldiers and to women of a certain class, and it was snnnVd ui> the nose- like ordinary snuff, producing temporary exhilaration. When the habit was persisted in. however, it grew on one. It produced symptoms of alcoholism', voices were heard, the moral and physical ?°nses were deadened, and insa'iity nnd death ensued. The Magistrate said the offence was one which should be treated with promptness and severity, and imposed sentences accordingly. • • .