DEALING IN OPIUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 49

DEALING IN OPIUM.

CHARGES AGAINST INDIANS. FINES OF £ 0 IMPOSED. AUCKLAND, May 18. Fines totalling £2lO were imposed at the City Police Court on two of three Indians who were charged with various offences under the Customs Act and the Opium Act. Ranjan Mew-a was charged with unlawfully having opium suitable for smoking in his possession, also with having unlawfully imported opium in his possession, and having unlawfully exported opium. Daya Boana and Dhida Manga were each charged with the two first-mentioned offences. The Collector of Customs (Mr J. P. Ridings) stated that Mewa obtained about half a pound of opium from some of his countrymen, giving it to a steward of the Tofua to take to someone in Samoa. He did not tell the steward what the parcel contained. The opium was discovered in. the possession of the steward at Samoa, and he was fined £4O. As regards the other charges, Mr Ridings said the Customs officers discovered the opium in premises at Ponsonby road. The Magistrate gave Manga the benefit of the doubt, and the charges against him were dismissed. For having a prohibited import in their possession Boana and Mewa were each fined the maximum of £IOO. For having exported opium Mewa was fined £lO in all, with costs. The other charges were withdrawn. Replying to counsel, the Magistrate said he would not recommend the Minister to reduce the fines, but application could be made by the parties concerned.