The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-01-21
OPIUM SMUGCLERS
ARE CAUGHT HERE
Officers Find Narcotics and Pipe in
the Rooms .of Strangers.

Snlacking Of the underworld dives
in some of the larger cities was the
discovery made by Special Officer VIII
lie OHConneH of the city police depart
ment last night. In the rooms of two
young men. who are being detained at
the city Jail, the officer found a guam
tity of opium, pipe to match, and other
items of particular interest, which
brings TO light what is thought TO be
an interesting opium smuggling case.
In connection with the burglary OF q
home in the city several nights ago
when a miscellaneous collection of
jewelry. including several valuable
diamonds. was stolen the two young
white men. appearing to be foreign
ers, were arrested by Officer O'Connell
because of their suspicious actions.
One OF them answered the description
Of the man who went into Klein's jew
eiry store on Thursday and attempted
to sell a large diamond which he had
in his possession. In fact, both have
been seen around the streets for the
last three or four days. and when the
officer started to arrest them on sus-
pieion yesterday they put up a force
full resistance.
However, they were carried to the
police station and gave the names OF
Tom Rizzo, 1s, and John Rouvo, 10.
They claimed to have come from Mo-
bile to this city, but when the officers
asked where they were lodging, no
answer was given. They refused to
give the name of the hotel or rooming
house, and all the time seemed to be
rather laxative and OF nervous, fdg
ETY. disposition. Among the articles
taken from them when they were
searched was a diamond stickpin, later
at $3.50, numerous letters
and q curious trinket which could not
be identified.
One Of the letters was written by a
woman in Mobile and on the envelope
was addressed to Frank Mack, in care
of general delivery here. 1t was re-
ceived in Pensacola on Jan. IS. The
contents were addressed to an entirely
different name from either the one
given the desk sergeant or the one ap-
pearing on the envelope. This fact
threw even greater suspicion on the
youths. They were placed in different
cells.
1t was later proved that the diamond
pin was not one stolen from the home
of a well known resident by burglars
on Tuesday night.
Officer O'Connell discovered last
night that the men had secured rooms
from Mrs. Cuyler Mcmillan, wife Of
the United States deputy marshal, on
the corner Of Baylen and Romano
streets, and when they were searched
a brass can partially filled with smok-
ing opium, the pipe, a quantity of what
was described as nitro glycerine. some
linseed oil, some soap, several pack
ages of letters, box of incense, which
was used to kill the odor OF the burn
ing opium, besides numerous other
items, were found.
During a second search the officers
found hidden in the mantle of a gas
light a one-pound sack filed with
opium.
Immediately after making the first
discovery Of the narcotics, Officer
OConneu notified United States Dis
trict Attorney Cubberly. who assisted
in the investigation. The smuggling
OF opium is a violation OF the federal
statutes and of course comes under
the jurisdiction of the district attor-
Of the case is that the men secured
rooms a the home OF Deputy United
States Marshal Cuyler Mcmillan.
The youths were not questioned
last night about the belongings found
in their room. but they will be put
through a rigid interview today and
II Is expected that other important
facts will be learned. Their photo
graphs and fngerprints will also be
taken in an effort to get further In
formation, for it is believed by officials
that there is a big case behind this
discovery.
In their cells yesterday. the youths
had all appearances of thorough ad- !
diets TO the narcotic habit, frequently !
letting out series Of groans, and talk |
Ing TO each other in a high pitched |
language which could not be under |
stood by the officers.