POSSESSION OF OPIUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3672, 29 July 1924, Page 55

POSSESSION OF OPIUM.

A YOUNG CHINESE FINED. A well-dressed young Chinese, All Yen, was charged at the City Police Court on Friday, before —r H. W. Bundle, S.M., with, on May 22, at Dunedin, being found in possession of opium in a form suitable for smoking. Mr A. C. Hanlon appeared for accused, who pleaded guilty, and Mr James M'lntosh (Collector of Customs) prosecuted. Mr M'lntosh stated that defendant arrived in Dunedin Horn the north on May 22, and his luggage was examined in the left luggage department at the railway station prior to his arrival. The search revealed seconds of opium in a box and a pipe, and the necessary implements were found in a boot. The opium had been purchased contrary to the Opium Act, and the man had no authority to possess it. The department wished to stress the fact that opium was not to be used, and it was not to he imported without a permit. The case was looked upon by the department as a grave one, and it asked that a heavy penalty be imposed. Mr Hanlon said defendant admitted that the gear and some ash were found in his possession, and he was therefore technically guilty. He w’as surprised that the department should press for a heavy penalty as there was nothing to show that defendant was a heavy smoker. He pointed out that the pipe was an improvised one made from a stone ink bottle and a piece of bamboo. The implements consisted of a piece of wire, a hat pin, and some sharp-pointed pieces of steel. As for the opium, he suggested that it w’as ash and did not resemble the seconds usually seen in court. There was nothing to show that defendant was ever in the possession of opium. Under the circumstances he would ask that a small penalty be imposed. Mr M'lntosh said it was seconds of opium. Mr Hanlon: Who says it is? Mr M'lntosh: I do. Mr Hanlon : Well, I say it is not. The Magistrate reviewed the evidence, and fined defendant £4 10s (costs 17s 6d).