The Washington times., 1915-07-15
US. TROOPS At. CANAL
BECOME DRUG USERS
Many Natives Of Panama Ar
rested for Selling Cocaine to
American Soldiers.

PANAMA, July 16-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 ard several convictions
have been obtained of natives Of Pana-
ma for selling cocaine and other drugs
to United States soldiers stationed on
the canal.
Several soldiers have been arrested
and will be tried for using the drugs,
and probably will receive severe SEN
tences for the deterrent influence such
punishment may have on the many re-
cruits that are constantly sent to the
isthmus.
The Investigation was begun a short
time ago. when the United States troops.
following riots. undertook separate
patrol Of the districts of both Panama
and Colon freauented by the soldiers
when on leave from the camps on the
Canal Zone. 1t was then. learned where
soldiers were obtaining cocaine and be-
coming addicted to Its use. 1t Is not
possible to obtain drugs on the Canal
Zone because Of the severe penalty at
tached to their sale and use within
United States territory.
Agent For Drug Stores.
Cart r. w. Coleman. U. s. A., COM
smanding 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 conclusive evi-
dence showing the connection between
the small peddlers and the large vend-
kL.k l.
instances the soldiers and others can
easily obtain the drug direct from isad-
Ing drug stores.
1t has been learned that between 100
and 16o soldiers already have formed
the habit. and that Its use has been
growing rapidly. especially among the
recruits who have recently come to the
isthmus. Most Of these young soldiers
sts sts,ss from the int. Interior Of the United
among the soldiers of the Twenty-ninth
Infantry. which formerly was stationed d
near New York city. and thus probably
have come In contact with the results
of the drug habit.
One Of the distressing features. say
the military authorities. is the lack OF
adequate cooperation on the part OF
the. national police authorities Of Pan.
anna. They seem to be willing to arrest
and f,ne the small peddlsrs. who are
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 q
speciality of the cocaine traffic. but
owing to tho apathy and unwillingness
Of the Panama authorities was unable
to obtain adequate punishment.
The laws Of Panama do not provide
for more than a nominal punishment or
conviction. They specify a sentence OF
twenty-nine days In Jail. which may b<
tripled II. in the discretion Of the mayor
of Panama, such additional punishment
In warranted. Heretofore the drug stor.
owners and large venders Of habit
forming drugs have escaped with ligh
fines. The Canal Zone laws provide 4
severe penalty for vending and use o.
drugs, and few cases have arisen amonl
the white canal workers.
A detailed report Of the investigation
has been prepared by Major H. A
White. U. S. A.. Of the Judge advocate
generals department, and sent to tn,
War Department.