The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-08
SELL COCAINE ID
 AMERICAN TROOPS
 IN THE CANAL ZONE
Many Arrests Made by Gen. eral Edwards of Native Peddlers and Vendors.
 Use of Drug Grows

Panama, June 5.-(Correspondence Of the Associated Press )-Following an in vestigation ordered by Brig. Gen. Clar- ence R. Edwards. U. S. A., commanding the Panama Canal troops, many arrests have been made and a number of convic- tions obtained of natives of Panama for selling cocaine and other drugs to United States soldiers stationed on the ranal. Several soldiers have been ar rested and will be tried for using the drugs and probably will be given severe sentences for the deterrent influence such punishment may have on the many re- cruits that are constantly sent to the lsthmus.
 The investigation was begun a short time ago when the United States troops, following riots undertook a separate pa trol 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 sol diers were obtaining cocaine and becom- ing addicted to its use. It is not possible to obtain drugs on the Canal zone be- cause of the severe penalty attached to their sale and use within United States territory.
 Drug Easily Obtainable
 Capt. F. W. Coleman, U. s. A, com manding 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 : .,;F, Ia. ,,ft tba dv,,cr He obtained conclusive evidence showing the connection between the small peddlers and the large vendors He ascertained also that in many instances the soldiers and others can easily obtain the drug direct from leading drug stores.
 It has been learned that between 100 10 150 soldiers have already formed the habit and that it's use has been growing very rapidly especially among the re- cruits who have recently 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 formerly was stationed near New York city, and thus probably have come in contact with the results of the drug habit
 No CO-Operation by Natives
 One of the distressing features, accord ing to the military authorities, is the lack of adequate cooperation on the part of the national police authorities of Panama. They seem to be 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 influential men in the com munity. Captain Coleman obtained con- elusive evidence that one of the leading druggists of Panama was making a spe- cialty of the cocaine traffic, but owing to the apathy and unwiingness of the Panama authorities was unable to obtain adequate punishment
 The laws of Panama do not provide for more than a nominal punishment upon conviction. They specify a sentence of 29 days in jail, which may be tripled if, in the discretion of the mayor of Panama. such additional punishment is warranted. Heretofore the drug store owners and large vendors of habit forming drugs have escaped with light fines. The canal zone laws provide a severe penalty for the vending and of drugs and few cases have arisen among the white canal workers
 A detailed report of the investigation has been prepared by Maj. H. A. White '. s. A, of the judge advocatae general department, and sent to the war depart rnent