SAMOA POLICE ESTABLISH 24 HOUR SURVEILLANCE OF FUGALEI MARKET

APIA, Samoa (July 1, 2002 – Radio New Zealand International)---Increased crime and violence at Samoa’s busiest trading area, Fugalei Market, has led to police setting up a permanent office there with officers on duty 24 hours a day.

The minister in charge of the Accident Compensation Board, which runs the market, says the market has become a center for marijuana dealing, there are frequent outbreaks of violence and guns have been fired in the area.

Arrests of marijuana sellers are said to be a daily occurrence, and the area is also known as a contact point for prostitution.

Police Commissioner Asi Blakelock says police have been keen to establish a 24 hour presence there for some time.

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