| Statement of objects and reasons. - The Bill provides for enhancing the punishment inflicted under section 9 for offences connected with the smuggling and manufacture of opium. It is proposed to enhance the punishments which can be inflicted under the Excise Act to a similar extent. The reason for requiring a more severe sentence is that, owing to the present high retail prices of opium, the smuggling of this drug is becoming increasingly common, and it is found that the sentences inflicted under the Act are not sufficient to deter persons from committing offences under the Act. The proposal to enhance the penalties will also conform with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee of the League of Nations." (Punjab Government Gazette, 1924, Part V. p. 81).
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