The telephone information hotline for Crimestoppers printed in yesterday's paper was incorrect. The number should read 1-800-623-8477. We apologise for the error.

Crime chiefs in Bermuda are working alongside the management and staff of cruise ships to stem the flow of illicit drugs coming on to the Island.

Police Commissioner Jean-Jacques Lemay revealed to The Royal Gazette how CrimeStoppers had undertaken a new partnership with the cruise liners in preparation for the start of the visitor season.

CrimeStoppers co-ordinator Sgt. Alex MacDonald is working with the management of shipping agents and the liners to educate them about CrimeStoppers, its role in the community and how they could use it to give information about suspected drug smugglers.

Mr. Lemay said: "Many of the folks that offer these cruise lines are very supportive of CrimeStoppers.

"They have children and folks and they want to make sure that drugs are not made available to them.

"As much as us, they want to keep this Island free from drugs. Sgt. MacDonald is talking to them about what to look out for and how to work with CrimeStoppers.

"This is a new initiative and hopefully it will be very successful. By sharing information, we can work together to keep drugs out.'' Cruise ships are one of the most direct routes for illicit narcotics coming onto the Island.

When the cruise season starts next month, Police and Customs will step up their efforts at the docks in an effort to catch the smugglers as they land.

But with staff on board the liners more vigilant and aware of what to look out for, they can inform CrimeStoppers anonymously as soon as the ship docks.

CrimeStoppers is a civilian organisation that members of the public can report to anonymously to give details on crimes and the criminals involved.

Rewards are often paid to the informers, the amount of which depends on the size of the seizure or crime involved.

And Mr. Lemay said to receive the reward, people can still remain anonymous.

He added: "If somebody said they wanted us to leave it under a rock for them at a particular location, we would do that. We would drop it, and then get out of there.

"CrimeStoppers is not interested in the names of people who call them. It is only interested in the information they give.'' To report information to CrimeStoppers, call 1-800-623-8471.

SHIPPING SHI DRUGS DGS