ENFORCING PROHIBITION

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17015, 31 January 1927, Page 7

ENFORCING PROHIBITION

, ... — 4) * TRAPPING BOOTLEGGERS. - AMAZING REVELATIONS. “UNDER-COVER” MEN EMPLOYED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn,) (Received January 31, 9.10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Januuary 30. Following the sensational disclosures that the Federal Government has employed so-called “under cover” men, who, in order to trap bootleggers, organised elaborate night clubs, using Government moneys for the purpose, General Andrews, the director of the enforcement, methods, has sent a letter to the Senate, explaining the reasons for the course. The letter states: “The country is faced with numerous vast continuing conspiracies, and it must recognise that the violations are nation-wide, and almost numberless. The Federal Government, to meet this condition, must concentrate its efforts upon large well-organised illegal operations. ‘Dry’ agenls, known to the criminal element, could never hope to defeat the unknown, intelligent, and unscrupulous men whose operations are necessarily enshrouded in darkness. It is similar to war. It is necessary that agents be employed who are qualified to act as spies. No one likes the idea, but it is as essential here as in war. Secret service methods and under-cover men are absolutely necessary if the Prohibition Law is to be enforced.” The revelations, which have aroused a great deal of interest, showed that Government agents operated on night clubs for many months, selling liquor to the public, and at the same time intercepting during delivery large orders for liquors placed with bootleggers. The club was later sold to a private individual, who shortly after that was arrested.