Shao Wenguang then steered the conversation back to the case, asking, "So what should we do next?"
“Of course, we still need to find their weaknesses in the transportation channels.” Ning Zhiheng picked up an interrogation record from the table and handed it to Shao Wenguang. “I just carefully reviewed these interrogation records of the core members, especially the records of the supplies they transported from Wuhan to Chongqing, and I found a problem.”
"What's wrong?" Shao Wenguang asked in surprise. He looked down at the interrogation records, many of which he had been in charge of, and couldn't immediately see anything wrong.
Ning Zhiheng began, “The Xinfeng Group previously transported some weapons and radios to Chongqing. These are essential equipment for intelligence work. They also transported some medicines, which I can understand. After all, Chongqing is short of supplies, and it is reasonable for the intelligence group to prepare some medicines for emergencies.”
But starting in March of this year, they transported opium into Chongqing seven times, almost once a month, and the volume was considerable. Why do you think that is?
Ning Zhiheng's question startled Shao Wenguang. He quickly looked through the interrogation records and found that opium was mentioned in several of them.
He hurriedly looked up at Ning Zhiheng and asked in confusion, "This is indeed strange. What do the Japanese mean by this?"
Opium, a malignant tumor in modern Chinese history, has been banned for a long time but has not been eradicated. In fact, it has become more and more rampant. Opium is sold all over the country, and opium dens are found all over the country, especially in the southwest region of China.
In Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan, opium was rampant. Many warlords even resorted to opium as a substitute for paying their troops, which directly led to a decline in the army's combat effectiveness. In the areas under their jurisdiction, the people were forced to grow poppies. The taxes paid for growing grain were far higher than those for growing poppies, forcing many civilians to grow poppies and produce opium.
In Sichuan, opium was rampant, with opium dens everywhere, as numerous as hairs on a cow. This was especially true in Chongqing, where the profits were enormous, making it a highly lucrative industry. Almost all gangs, criminal organizations, and even local powers were involved in operating opium dens.
The problem Ning Zhiheng was referring to is this: opium is not an imported product; Sichuan produces opium locally, and in large quantities.
At that time, opium was abundant everywhere, and its price was not very high. Otherwise, so many people would not have smoked it. In particular, Sichuan was an opium-producing area, and the price of opium there was relatively cheap.
Therefore, the Japanese did not need to take such a big risk to transport goods from Wuhan to Chongqing; they could have purchased them locally for very little money.
Shao Wenguang was also aware of these circumstances. After thinking for a moment, he said with doubt, "You suspect that this is not opium, but these people's testimonies all say it is opium. They didn't have the opportunity to collude before."
Ning Zhiheng nodded and said, "There are two possibilities. The first possibility is that the Japanese spies had a clear division of labor. The Trade Wind Group was only responsible for the transportation channels. The Wuhan headquarters transported other important items, but for the sake of secrecy, they did not tell them the real situation. They just used opium as a substitute. The Trade Wind Group did not inspect the goods on their own. They thought it was opium, so their testimonies were consistent."
The second possibility is that the item itself is indeed opium, but this opium is different from ordinary opium and must have a special purpose; otherwise, the Japanese would never have transported ordinary opium all the way to Chongqing.
Shao Wenguang thought for a moment and then suddenly said, "Do you think it might be 'Da Tu' or 'Yinan Tu'? These two types of opium are of the best quality and are the finest among opiums. What is sold in Sichuan is all 'Sichuan Tu,' and the quality varies greatly. The Japanese have important uses for these fine opiums."
The so-called "big opium" is "Paitona opium" produced in India. It is commonly known as "big opium" and is produced in India. When it was imported into China, it was made into a large round ball shape. It is yellowish-black in color, soft in texture, and wrapped with tobacco leaves. It is the best quality opium. Because of its high quality, the price is naturally high.
Yinan opium is the finest among domestically produced Yunnan opium, boasting the best quality, excellent color, aroma, and taste, earning it the reputation of "King of Kings." Opium addicts say that "the aroma can be smelled from half a mile away, and three puffs are worth a penny," but it is also extremely expensive and hard to find.
As the name suggests, Sichuan tobacco comes from Sichuan Province. It has a high output, but the quality is not high. It is quite toxic and harmful to the human body. However, it is cheap and even ordinary smokers are happy to smoke it.
Besides these, there are many other types of opium, and their quality varies depending on the place of origin. The Japanese also cultivated poppies in large quantities in Northeast China to produce opium, which was called "borderland opium" or "Eastern opium." It was produced in the three provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning. The Japanese sold the opium they produced to various parts of China to make huge profits.
Ning Zhiheng was not familiar with the situation regarding opium. After thinking for a moment, he said, "It's very possible. Perhaps they use this kind of high-grade opium to bribe or control their targets. That's also possible. However, I'm not sure how addictive this kind of opium is, or whether it can reach the point of controlling people's minds. This needs to be investigated thoroughly."
Ning Zhiheng was silent for a while, and after careful consideration, he said decisively, "I will re-interrogate these key members to find out exactly what they are transporting. This will definitely be a breakthrough!"
Go and investigate the drop-off locations they mentioned. Their confessions state that each drop-off location was prepared by the other side; they would leave the items there and then leave without meeting in person. The opium drop-off location was at No. 46, Zouma Street, Zhaojiagang. Go check it out and see who had the right to use the house during the drop-off period—the homeowner or the tenant? These are crucial clues. In short, we need to find out everything. We need to follow this lead to find the Japanese spy organization. Again, we need to act quickly!
"Yes, I'll go right away!"
Without further delay, Ning Zhiheng rushed to the interrogation department and re-interrogated Dai Anhe and other key members.
"Explain to me, the confession says that besides weapons and radios, you've transported opium seven times in the past six months. What exactly is this opium?"
Ning Zhiheng looked at Dai Anhe. If anyone in the Wind Transport Group knew the real truth, it would definitely be Dai Anhe. He was the highest commander of the Wind Transport Group and knew the most secrets.
Dai Anhe looked at Ning Zhiheng and shook his head repeatedly, then hurriedly denied it, saying, "It is indeed opium. That's how the telegram from headquarters notified me. I didn't open it to confirm. Opium has a strong smell, and because of transportation security, each shipment is very well concealed. It's all wrapped in tarpaulin and sealed in a wooden box. I didn't open it to check, so I arranged for it to be delivered immediately."
Ning Zhiheng gave a cold laugh and asked, "You sent opium in from so far away, didn't you have any suspicions?"
Dai Anhe shook his head and said, "Everyone in the organization has their own responsibilities. I am only responsible for transportation. As for what items are being transported, I have no right to check, and I shouldn't even check. In our line of work, we can't be too curious."
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