recent break-in to a container on the Hamilton Docks.

The break-in occurred after Customs was tipped off that it contained illegal drugs.

"I have asked for a full report in writing from the Collector of Customs,'' Dr. Saul said yesterday.

"I just want to find out what were the circumstances of the `tip-off,' who was scheduled to carry out the investigation, and then the circumstances that led to the fact that -- whether or not there was anything in there at all -- it appears that a theft took place on the said container.'' Collector of Customs Mr. Gerry Ardis was investigating in any case, Dr. Saul said. He expected to receive the report within ten days.

A Customs source told The Royal Gazette earlier this month that the container that was broken into at Number 7 Dock on November 16 contained 30 pounds of marijuana and 20 pounds of either marijuana or cocaine and had been targeted for inspection by Customs.

After arriving from New Jersey on the Bermuda Islander , the container was secured for the night with a "flimsy'' Crown lock, the source said. Customs officers returned the next day to discover the break-in and apparent theft.

Dr. Saul said the theft was particularly remarkable since "that whole drug interdiction squad have had such remarkable success over the last two years.'' He wanted to find out why the incident happened, and how it could be assured it would not happen again.

Customs frequently received tips about drugs or other contraband, and some turned out to be false or mischievous, he said.

Meanwhile, Corporation of Hamilton Secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt said the theft was highly unusual and did not suggest a need for improved dock security.

This was only the second break-in to a container he could recall in the last six to eight years.

And while he could not say it had cleared Customs, the container in question had "legally cleared the docks'' and was driven away on a truck before it was returned to the docks, Mr. Sherratt said.

He could not say why it was returned, but it might have been because the "consignee'' was not present to receive the container, he said. Customs may clear a container by opening it at the delivery site.

"It's very unusual for containers to be delivered to the docks,'' he said.

"I don't know of it happening. After it was returned to the docks it was broken into.'' Mr. Sherratt said Corporation security -- which includes a fenced compound and patrols by security guards -- was not tipped off and is intended to prevent theft of goods.