DRUG TRAFFIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12659, 20 January 1927, Page 8

DRUG TRAFFIC

“HUMAN VULTURES'* SYDNEY, January 14. In the Legislative Council Mr Willi* said that the distribution of injurious drugs by “human vultures” was, becoming a grave danger. The Police Offenoes Amendment (Drugs) Bill, dealing with the manufacture, sale and distribution of dangerous drugs, came on for second reading. Mr Willis said that the polioo authorities had urged for years that they should have greater powers in regard to opium and other dangerous drugs Under the Bill it would he an offence to manufacture, possess, sell, or otherwise deal in opium prepared for smoking. or to smoke it. Further powers dealt with the manufacture and sale of cocaine, morphine, and other injurious drugs. Exception was made in the case of such drugs when required for medical purposes. Severe penalties were provided for breaches of the law. The Bill, however, was not as drastic as the British law, or that which existed, in other States. It did not go as far as was recommended by the Geneva convention. Dr Wall congratulated the Government on bringing forward the measure. It contained a number of anomalies which required correction. In this connection the Director of Health or the B.M.A. might, perhaps, be consulted. Mr Boyce also commended the Bill. He suggested that the hoard should be entrusted with its administration instead of flie Pharmacy Board, as proposed. The Bill was read a second time, and formally taken into committee.