Facts:

• The case The United States vs. Lim Poco was decided on August 16, 1913.
• Lim Poco was convicted of violating Section 31 of Act No. 1761, known as the Opium Law.
• He was found in possession of a bottle containing approximately 16 to 18 pills confirmed to contain opium or its derivatives.
• Lim Poco was neither a licensed physician nor a pharmacist and lacked a prescription for the pills.
• He claimed to have previously been addicted to opium but stated he purchased the pills for medicinal use.
• Evidence showed he admitted knowledge of the pills containing opium at the time of seizure, although he later denied this.
• A pharmacist testified that the pills contained a small quantity of opium, similar to certain patent medicines.
• Lim Poco's defense argued that possession of a minimal amount of opium without a prescription should not warrant a conviction.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's conviction and imposed a fine of P300.
• The court ruled that Lim Poco's possession of the pills constituted a violation of the Opium Law, regardless of the quantity or his claims of medici...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The ruling was based on the Opium Law's intent to suppress unauthorized use of opium, regardless of quantity.
• The law penalizes possession by unauthorized individuals without exceptions for small quantities for medicinal purposes.
• Mere possession of opium or its derivative...continue reading