STATION TIGHTENS WATCH

KORONIVIA Research Station will upgrade security and look at
alternative ways of storing drugs sent to the laboratory for tests,
says station research director, Apisai Ucubui.

This follows the theft of two sacks and two pillow cases full of
marijuana from the laboratory last week.

The drugs were confiscated by the police from Sigatoka and sent to
the lab for analysis.

Mr Ucubui said he would discuss with police, alternative and safer
arrangements to store the drugs.

He said security and building structures would be strengthened,
adding that this was not the first time drugs had been taken from the station.

Director of the Criminal Investigations Department, Superintendent
Waisea Vakamocea said the case was serious and they were still investigating.

Divisional Crime Officer Eastern, ASP Ramend Chand had expressed
concern that the stolen drugs would be peddled on the streets.

He had said security had to be improved as only one guard was
watching the research station in Nausori.

The facility was being renovated at the time of the burglary and the
laboratory lights had reportedly been turned off.