“Tom or Ham Lay ?” local Chinese selling Opium – 1920
Chinese Arrested Here On Charge Of Smuggling Opium
Chief of Police Moore Seizes Ham Lay on His Return From Butte
Ham Lay, a Chinese aged 68, was arrested last night at the Northern Pacific depot by Chief of Police Moore and opium valued at $500 was found on his person. Later Chief Moore and Night Chief Morris went to Lay’s home at 275 West Front and found a complete set for smoking opium.
Lay has been a resident of Missoula for several years, coming here the first time 38 years ago.
He has been under suspicion for some time and during the past few weeks has made a number of trips to Butte, evidently for the purpose of getting opium. He had just returned from Butte last night when arrested by Chief Moore. Lay attempted to hide the opium when he saw that he was about to be arrested but was unsuccessful.
The police say that Lay has been selling opium in Missoula, having Chinese and negroes for his customers.
This is the first time in years that anyone has been arrested here for importing opium.
The above article appeared in the July 7, 1920, The Daily Missoulian.
Tom Lay Pleads Guilty to Opium Smoking Charge
Tom Lay, the aged Chinese who was arrested Tuesday night at the Northern Pacific station, entered a plea of guilty to the charge of smoking and selling opium and was fined $25 by Judge John Bonner yesterday.
A complete outfit for use in smoking opium was found by Chief Moore and Night Chief Morris in Lay’s home on West Front street.
The above article appeared in The Daily Missoulian on July 8, 1920