The drug problem in Bermuda continues to grow with more young people than ever now doing drugs, according to head of narcotics, Chief Inspector Norrell Hull.

"We have a completely new generation of drug users and the fact that they're exposed to hard core drugs is difficult to suppress without the right resources,'' he said. "We need manpower coupled with present day electronic and surveillance resources,'' he noted. The narcotics department, which includes a chief inspector, an inspector, six seargents and 17 constables, has not expanded in recent years. "We only have about 14 operational officers on the street,'' said Chief Insp. Hull, noting the remaining people in the division account for intelligence personnel. "For the magnitude of the problem, we need more men. But it has been addressed by the Commissioner and I'm confident that the narcotics section will get an increase in manpower.'' He added: "The increase will be used to target hard core drug dealers, users and importers.'' Chief Insp. Hull noted that a lot of young people are getting caught up in drug abuse and drug sales. "Some parents are even aware that their children are involved in drug activities. But they close their eyes to it because of the economic spin-off -- parents often benefit from the monetary gains,'' he said. "The bottom line is that drugs mean money. And every kid likes to be financially independent. Some people who sell drugs have never even used them -- they do it solely for money purposes.'' Chief Insp. Hull said that locals have an insatiable appetite for drugs and because of the strong demand, there will always be a supply. As well, he noted that there have been several convictions in the courts this year, which is indicative of the amount of drugs on the streets. There are, however, still people out there that have yet to be touched, he said. Cocaine and crack are still popular drugs in Bermuda. But heroin seems to be the drug of choice at present, according to Chief Insp. Hull. "Heroin has made a comeback in the US and Europe as well,'' he said. "It has become cheaper because there's been a bumper crop in South East Asia. And there are so many different ways people can use heroin. "Cocaine, however, is more expensive because Colombian police efforts have suppressed several cartels -- it's harder to come by now,'' he said. Drugs come to Bermuda through any port of entry including the airport, courier services, the post office, cruise ships and container ships. But given the proper resources, the police department can develop structured plans, which would provide a higher target line to suppress drugs from coming into the Island, said Chief Insp. Hull. "Intelligence reports come in all the time so we know what's on the streets. And the National Drug Intelligence Unit supplies us with intelligence on a daily basis -- we're well informed,'' he said. The introduction of Crime Stoppers has also provided the police with added drug-related information. "We encourage people to keep calling,'' said Chief Insp. Hull, noting that drugs are directly related to crime.

"Drug-users need the money to buy drugs and they'll resort to any form of hostility to get the money. This causes alarm and it scares people,'' he said, adding that the use of firearms associated with drug use and abuse has also grown. There are between 50 and 60 high risk drug areas in Bermuda, said Chief Insp. Hull, and new drug areas are always being developed. "There is no doubt -- we need to get more people out on the street. But the Commissioner has prioritised and we are getting more manpower for the narcotics division. When this has been realised, it will be reflected on the streets.'' He added: "So many young people are now involved in drugs and crime-related activities. But once we get an increase in manpower, we'll go into the schools, clubs and churches more often and discuss the ramifications of drug involvement with our young people. "We want to protect what's left of Bermuda's children or at least assist in their protection. And we look forward to an increase in manpower so we can continue fighting this war,'' he said. PHOTO HEAD OF NARCOTICS -- Chief Inspector Norrell Hull