DRUGS IN SECRET DRAWER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17564, 15 June 1925, Page 5

DRUGS IN SECRET DRAWER.

FIND IN CHINESE CABINET. RICH WIDOW’S PLIGHT. LONDON, April 30. Heroin found concealed in a secret drawer in a Chinese cabinet figured iu a strange drug story told at Marylebone Police Court. The drug, it was alleged, had been obtained by a wealthy woman named Vera Hadzikyricos, ngjed 31, who paid periodical visits to Paris for it. lit Paris she received the heroin from another woman, whose name she refused to disclose. Hadzikvricos, who was deathly pale, was helped into court by a police-man and a woman attendant, and was given ai'-seat by the dock. She wore a heavy fur coat over a fashionable frock, and was described as a Greek of independent means, living in Great Cumberland Place, Marble Arc-h. “IT IS THERE.” She was accused of having heroin iu her possession without a license. Divisional Detective-Inspector Helby said ho went to Great Cumberland Place under a search warrant with two oilier detectives. H adzikyriocos pointed to a Chinese cabinet, and, in a. low voice, remarked: “ It is in there.” Opening the cabinet, the inspector said be discovered a- secret drawer. Inside the drawer was a packet containing heroin, two hypodermic syringes, and a packet of ten needles. Asked what the packet contained, the woman replied: “It is heroin. J get 1 it from France—from Paris. A friend of mine brings it there, and I go over there and fetch it. I won't tell you Who it is, or where she lives.” FOR OWN SAFETY. The detective told her that- for her on n safety she would be token to the police, station. On arriving there. Dr Spurgin certified that she was suffering; from the effects of heroin, and ad-

vised her removal to the infirmary, as she needed to be under observation while being deprived of her usual dose. “I think she has had a great deal of trouble,” the detective added. “ She married a Greet shipowner j several years ago, and came downstairs I one morning very shortly afterwards to find her husband dead. “ Since then she has developed the drugxhabitj and now she cannot live “ She is a woman of means, residing in a very fine flat, and I believe she lias some relations abroad, but none in this country.” Inspector Helby said the police were most anxious to find out how the woman had been getting large supplies of drugs. M.r Sheldon (defending) said lie had the information, but he did not wish to disclose it unless the magistrate thought it ought to be disclosed. Inspector Helby said it was a matter of very great importance. Mr Sheldon then gave an undertaking to supply the name and address of t.be supplier. The woman was bound over on condition ehc went to a home.