ALLEGED OPIUM SMUGGLING.

Grey River Argus, 30 November 1920, Page 3

ALLEGED OPIUM SMUGGLING.

CHRISTCHURCH, November 29. , At tho Magistrate's Court, Lyttelton, before Mr McCarthy, 5.M.,. Usui Moichi, Chief StCAvartl of tho Japanese steamer Hakushiku Mia.ru, was charged • that he did import into New Zealand > opium in /form suitable for smoking, contrary to Section 2 of -the Opium Act. Information was laid by Mr W. j. Wratt, Collector of Customs, Christchurch. The case for tho Prosecution ay.is that behind a loose board in the cupt - ' \- ■■ ' \ -■ board off accused's cabin was found four tins labelled "Selected, best fruits," but which in reality corikuncd opium in- form suitable for smoking. ...... For the defence the purser and Captain deposed that, accused joined the ship in Japan just prior to the ve-.sr.l sailing. His predecessor had been suspected of smuggling at Seattle and Portland (Oregon). He Was admonished arid along -with tho ship's carpenter, deserted tho ship at Shanghai lea A'ing all their clothing and effects knd forfeiting their wages. Accused denied all knowledge of tHo presence of the opium. „ / The Magistrate held that accused had completely answered - the' charge against him and dismissea* the ihf tfrnia'tion. , ... " A further charge of being in possession of dutiable fjpods was also dismissed. > : ' " "