major overcrowding problem.

The bunks were ordered for the Prison Farm in St. George's to put an end to congested jail cells.

It means prison chiefs have been able to scrap an emergency plan to release some low-category prisoners before the end of their sentences.

Officials have also devised a thorough contigency plan in case the number of convicts jumps to a new all-time high.

The number of inmates is expected to rise in the run-up to Christmas, with more part-time burglars on the prowl for presents.

But Prisons Commissioner Edward Dyer said the problems of overcrowding had been "alleviated but not cured''.

He told The Royal Gazette that extra bunks had been brought into the Prison Farm so ground floor single cells could each be used by two inmates.

Westgate Correctional Facility, which opened in 1994, was bursting at the seems this summer when Police made scores of arrests as part of Operation Cleansweep.

At one point the jail, which holds 208 prisoners, was forced to accommodate 214 inmates.

And Bermuda's total prison population of 320 in late June was thought to have been higher than ever before.

But the new beds for the Prison Farm were ordered at the end of summer and that jail can now hold 94 prisoners instead of 64.

It is currently accommodating 82 low-category inmates. There are 21 women and 19 young men locked up at the 56-capacity Co-ed prison, also in St. George's.

And Westgate, just outside Dockyard, is holding 176 prisoners out of the 298 people locked up across the Island.

Mr. Dyer said: "We did have problems with overcrowding after Operation Cleansweep but we have managed to alleviate them.

"The congestion has not been cured but we made conditions far more comfortable by double-bunking the entire lower floor at the Prison Farm.

"That meant we could get around the problems without releasing anybody earlier than they should have been, although we did consider that.

"We might even have had to ask the Governor to pardon people or release some early on licence but we managed to avoid that.'' He said Westgate had been able to hold 214 prisoners because a few convicts were already in segregation, so their cells were empty.

But Mr. Dyer added: "That was not an ideal situation and thankfully the numbers are now considerably more manageable.

"Even so, we have a big contingency plan in place in case there is an explosion in prison numbers.

"I am personally hoping the numbers in prison will continue to decrease, although we are prepared for a rise in the run-up to Christmas.'' Mr. Dyer is already overseeing an inquiry into drug-smuggling behind bars at Bermuda's jails.

Prison officers and inmates have been urged to call him in confidence with news of who is running alleged drugs rackets at Westgate.

The investigation follows a call for action from Chief Justice Austin Ward after allegations that crack cocaine was on sale inside the prison.

Mr. Dyer said some inmates and prison officers had already become suspects and he is appealing for anyone with information to call him on 295-4975.