DRUGS AND DRINK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18965, 17 March 1924, Page 5

DRUGS AND DRINK

WHOLESALE SMUGGLING AMERICA’S GREAT PROBLEM Evidence given by the crew of the Cunarder Orduna shows that the United States* task in preventing the smuggling of drugs is as great as that of keeping liquor out of the country. Received March 16, 8.40 p.m. NEW YORK, March 15. The Orduna crew’s testimony and liberal action revealed unbelievedly widespread smuggling practices, and while admitting they brought liquor and morphine aboard and smuggled them into United States ports, they further declared that the crews of all foreign vessels, notably those operated by lesser lines, had been doing likewise. The Orduna’s storekeeper told in detail how, during the past three years, he and others of the crew had been smuggling drugs and liquor aboard; how the drugs were sold to expectant illicit breweries; and how the bar was kept open and liquors sold, while the ship was in port. The court will probably release the Orduna’s owners from liability, because the crew declared that in bringing liquors and drugs aboard they acted secretly and independently. The court is therefore expected to strike out all but the customs violation charge, and, if smuggling is proved, to levy a fine upon the Royal Mail line and the shipmasters, but the chances of confiscating the vessel are regarded as remote. Federal officials show increasing concern over revelations of drug and liquor smuggling as a general nautical avocation, but frankly admit the lack of a practicable check thereon, especially as they cannot expect to be consulted in the selection of upright crews. Hence the Orduna case is assuming proportions of the largest issue arising cut of Prohibition.