The Long Arm of the Law: Opium Smuggler Jack Ford Captured in Seattle
After months on the run, Jack Ford was arrested aboard the steamer Rosalie for smuggling opium, and will face charges in Tacoma.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Inspectors Snover and Loftus last night arrested Jack Ford, as he was about to leave on the steamer Rosalie, for having smuggled opium into this country some time last January, and conveyed him to jail. He appeared before Commissioner Emery last evening and was ordered to appear before the commissioner at Tacoma today. Shortly after Ford's disappearance, Inspector Snover was given a description of him and has ever since kept a sharp lookout for him. He took passage on the Rosalie at Victoria yesterday and was recognized by the inspector. It is thought he has been in Australia since detected, and possibly thought the affair had blown over.
“It is thought he has been in Australia since detected, and possibly thought the affair had blown over.”
Opium smuggling was a major concern in the late 19th century, reflecting early drug enforcement efforts. Today, Seattle remains a key port for international trade and a focal point in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
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