£l000 OPIUM HAUL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17526, 1 May 1925, Page 5

£looo OPIUM HAUL.

SENSATIONAL RAID. “ OPIUM KINO ” SEIZURE. (Special to the “Star.’') SYDNEY. April 3One ol the biggest opium hauls <»,- recent years was made by the poll' in a big raid on Tuesday evening in premises occupied by Chinese m _v!<; - The opium seized was worth ou.i £IOOO, and the police in some cases were forced to batter down the doors wit’u axes in order to gain admittance. 4he raid was the result ol careful investigation by detectives during the last twelve months. Practically every available detective and policeman was detailed for the work. The police theory is .that opium Labeen smuggled into the port of M< Ibourne from the East in packages labelled “tea. These are believed to have changed hands tor big sums. The police were informed that the opium was coining in. in big quantities, and that there was a combine distributing the drug. They suspected a Chinese known as the “Opium King.’’ cf being connected with the gang. ami watched him in the hope ol ascertaining his associates. This man is said to be 'well known here and to have large interests. On Tuesday night, the detectives had a Chinese under observation in crowded city street, and by and by he approached a white man. and then another Chinese. The detectives quickly swooped down and took the trio to police headquarters. Tt is alleged that several tins of opium were found in -possession of the two Chinese. When the men were detained, orders were given for Chinese houses in the city and suburbs to be systematically searched. Car loads of plainc-lotla s men *nd patrol ears took up the work. There was great excitement in tiio streets. * the whole Chinese community, men, women and children rushing out of the houses highly excited. At the Melbourne wateh-liouse. Chong Suey. market dealer, and Thomas Brpwn. Customs officer, were charged with having opium suitable for smoking in their ]>ossession. Brown, the. Customs officer who was arrested, has been suspended from his duties as an examining officer on the wharves Brown, who is not far from the retiring age, has been a trusted officer for over twenty-five years.