High school laboratory theft raises fears of possible drug production

In a surprising development in the ongoing battle against illicit drug activities, police are investigating a suspected break-in at the science lab of Baulevu High School in Nausori.

The incident, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, July 10, resulted in the theft of 40 test tubes, lab apparatuses, seven volumetric pipettes, burettes, and other laboratory equipment.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu, while confirming the burglary and their investigations, said they had a strong feeling the stolen lab equipment could be used in the manufacturing of illicit substances.

Last Friday, a controlled joint operation between the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) resulted in the seizure of apparatus that could be used for a possible clandestine lab.

The consignment, which came from British Columbia, was seized at a freight provider warehouse in Nadi.

“This incident in Nausori is unusual because it is a burglary at a high school and they’ve stolen the lab apparatus and equipment,” ACP Driu said.

Manufacturing concerns

School manager Vijay Nath expressed his concerns also, noting the unusual nature of the theft and questioned if the stolen equipment was intended for drug manufacturing.

“With whatever they took, it only begs the question. Are people stealing it to manufacture drugs?” Mr Nath asked.

“It was unusual that the perpetrators did not take other expensive lab equipment like lab microscopes but only took test tubes and apparatuses.”

Nothing else was reported stolen from the school.

ACP Driu further said: “It’s still under investigation, I cannot comment further because the CSI are conducting investigations.”

Concerns over illicit drug manufacturing

ACP Driu is deeply concerned that people are possibly operating small-scale labs of white substance.

“Some of them are using YouTube and other methods of obtaining information on how this is manufactured,” Mr Driu said.

“The other worry is people are mixing meth with other medicine and substances from the chemist.

“The Fiji Police Force is worried about the impact these will have on people who are going to consume these harmful drugs.

“The concern is they are not experts, and they go for money, but they don’t care about the health or the side effects.”

School management speaks out 

Mr Nath reported that neighbours heard dogs barking around 1:30am to 2am on Wednesday morning, suggesting the time the break-in occurred.

“A report was lodged to police on Wednesday morning last week, but we were concerned with the response time,” Mr Nath said.

“We called around 7am but police got to the school around 11am.

“I had to ask the Minister to follow-up with their team as they were waiting for police to come to the scene. There were blood stains all over the ground on Wednesday morning.

“The perpetrators took out the glasses, entered, and while coming out I think one of them cut their leg which is why there were blood stains.”

Ministry of Education 

Permanent Secretary of Education Selina Kuruleca expressed the ministry’s concern over the incident.

“When the report came to me, the first question I asked was if the equipment was stolen to manufacture illicit substances,” Ms Kuruleca said.

“It is still a concern, and we are aware of it, but we will await the results of the investigations.”

The ongoing investigation highlights the increasing complexity of illicit drug activities and the potential misuse of educational resources, raising significant concerns for authorities and the community at large.

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