Six graduate from Cannabis identifiers

ESR - Science and Research is always a phone call away” says Director Forensics.

The New Zealand Institute of Environment Scientific and Research (ESR NZ) is always a phone call away says the Fiji Police Force (FPF) Director Forensics, Senior Superintendent of Police, Margret Marshall.

She made these comments at the accreditation ceremony of 6 new Cannabis Identifiers from the Forensic Chemistry Drugs Analysts team.

The accredited officers were trained by top New Zealand Scientists from ESR NZ.

“I would always call Anna (the ESR Forensic Quality Manager) at any time of the day or night, sometimes even at 2 o’clock in the morning, and she would always answer, I would tell her, she’s a scientist and I am a police officer and I need her expertise, and I am grateful that she would always assist us,” SSP Marshall said.

Anna Petricevich, together with Cameron Johnson (ESR Science Leader Forensic Drug Chemistry) and Laura Fabian (ESR senior scientist Forensic Drug Chemistry) were the facilitators of the training and accreditation of the FPF 6 Cannabis Identifiers.

The 6 fully accredited and certified police personnel are Miliana Cokanavula, Venti Chandra, Susana Lawedrau, Sakiusa Biaukula, Iliavi Wara, and Eka Maravou.

Whilst handing over the certificates to the accredited Drugs Analysts, the FPF Chief of Intelligence and Investigation, Assistant Commissioner of Police Surend Sami said the Fiji Police Force is grateful to ESR NZ for their never ending support and assistance to Fiji.

He added the scientific expertise will help the FPF conclude investigations into some of its prolonged investigations or cold cases.