Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1915-06-03
COCAINE SALES
To SOLDIERS IN
PANAMA PUN|SHED
Natives Of ISthmuS Do Thriy-
ing Trade in Drug Until
Called to Time by Author
tiles of United States,
tAssocIaicd Press Correspondence,

Panama, MAY Following an
Investigation ordered by nrlgadier
General Clarence r. Edwards, l.. s.
A., commanding the Panama Canal
troops. many arrests have been made
and a number OF convictions obtain
ed OF natives of Panama for selling
cocaine and other drugs to United
States soldiers stationed on the canal.
Several soldiers have been arrested
and win be tried for using the drugs
and probably will be given severe SEN
fences for the deterrent influence
such punishment may have on the
many recruits that are constantly
sent to the isthmus.
The Investigation was begun n
short time ago when the United states
troops, following riots. undertook a
separate patrol of the districts OF both
Panama and Colon frequented by the
soldiers when on leave from the
camps on the Canal Zone. It was then
learned where soldiers were obtain
ing cocaine. and becoming addicted to
its use. II IL not possible to obtain
drugs on the canal Zone because of
the severe penalty attached 10 their
sale and use within United states ter
rltory.
Captain +. w. Coleman. u. $. A..
commanding the Patrol company.
early In his investigation found that
many of the habitues of the tenderloin
district of Panama not only were
addicted to the cocaine habit but also
were acting as agents for several OF
the largest drug stores In the city in
the sale of the drug. He obtained con
elusive evidence showing the connee-
,tion between the small peddlers and
the large tvendors. He ascertained
also that In many instances the sol
diers and others can easily obtain
the drug direct from leading drug
stores.
1t has been learned that between
100 and $50 soldiers have already
formed the habit and that It's use has
been growing very rapidly especially
among the recruits who have recent
~ come To the isthmus. Most of these
young soldiers are from the interior
OF the United states. No cases have
been found among the soldiers Of the
Twenty ninth infantry, which form
ery was stationed near New York
City and thus probably have come in
contact with the results Of the drug
habit
one Of the distressing features, ac-
cording TO the military authorities, Is
the lack OF adequate cooperation on
the part OF the national police au-
thorities Of Panama, They seem 90 DO
willing TO arrest and fine the small
peddlers who are mostly negroes, but
unwilling to make an example of the
druggists. all of whom are influen-
tial men in the community Captain
Coleman obtained conclusive evidence
that one OF the leading drpgg SIS Of
Panama was making "A specially Of
the cocaine traffic, but owing TO the
apathy and unwillingness of the Pam
anna authorities, was unable to OBJ
tain adequate punishment.
The laws of Panama do not pro-
vide for more than nominal pun
ishment upon conviction. They speci-
fly a sentence of twenty-nlne days in
jail. which may be tripled IT, in the.
discretion OF the mayor of Panama,
such additional punishment Is war
ranted. Heretofore the drug store
owners and large vendors of habit
forming drugs have escaped with
light fines. The Canal Zone laws pro-
vide a severe penalty for the vending
and use of drugs and few cases have
arisen among the white canal work
ers.
A detailed report Of the investlga
ton has been prepared by Major II
A. White, u. s. A., OF the Judge adj
vocate generals department, and sent
to the war department.