WAR ON BOOTLEGGERS

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 31 January 1927, Page 5

WAR ON BOOTLEGGERS

“DRV” AGENTS’ METHODS.

NIGHT CLUB ORGANISED. USE OF “UNDER-COVER” MEN. BV CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COP YRIGHT. Received 10.20 a.m. to-day. WASHINGTON, Jan. 30. Following sensational disclosures that the Federal Government employed socalled “under-cover” men, who, in order to trap bootleggers, organised elaborate, night clubs, using Government moneys for the purpose. General Andrews, head of the prohibition units, sent a letter to the Senate explaining the reasons. The letter states: “The country is faced with numerous, vast and continuing conspiracies. It must recognise that the violations are nationwide and almost numberless. The Federal Government, in order to meet this condition, must concentrate its efforts upou large, well-organised and illegal operations. “Dry” agents, known to the criminal element, could never hope to defeat the unknown, intelligent and unscrupulous. men whose operations are necessarily enshrouded in darkness. It is similar to a war. It is necessary that agents should be employed who are qualified for and who do act as spies. No one likes the idea, but it is as essential here as in war. Secret service methods and under-cover men are absolutely necessary if the prohibition law is to be enforced.” The revelations, which aroused a 4 great deal of interest, showed that Government agents operated a night club for many months, selling liquor to the public and at the same time intercepting during delivery, large orders for liquor placed with the bootleggers. The club was later sold to a private individual, who shortly after that was arrested.