AnnualReport-1927 — Page 144

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reasonable to assume that it was diverted from the illicit trade which supplied the bulk of the raw material. In point of fact this assumption has lately received curious verification. At the time of writing it has been found necessary, owing to the ex- haustion of material, to withdraw these grades. The withdrawal took place on January 27, 1928. On March 16, 1928 a seizure was effected on s.s. Taiszema of 3190 taels of raw and 440 taels of prepared opium. The material was elaborately concealed in

10 bales manifested as cassia for London and marked

35-

The following is extracted from the Inward Goods ledger of the consignee (who was arrested and convicted).

22nd Aug., 1927 10 bales cassia 1680 catties nett $5.60 $94.08

mark

35

31st Aug.

12 bales cassia 2016 catties nett $5.60 $112.89

mark

35

15th Sept.

10 bales cassia 1680 catties nett $5.60 $94.08

Mark.

35

21st Sept.

10 bales cassia 1680 catties nett $5.60 $94.08

Mark

35

At this date the entries abruptly cease. Ten days later the new official grades made their appearance.

Table VIII section (a) is a departmental record of the num- ber of persons convicted of offences against the Opium Ordinance on complaint of this department alone. The total includes some 2,500 divan-smokers who allowed their bail to be estreated. It also includes a handful of cases-some 30 or 40-in which the Magistrate cautioned the smoker without actually recording a conviction. This explains any discrepancy between the Table and the official Magistracy figures which are as follows:-

Persons charged under Opium Ordinance

7,783

convicted

6,726

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