flown to the Island to meet Bermuda Police officers, it emerged yesterday.

The visit sparked speculation they were here investigating a crime.

But yesterday Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said the three agents were making one of their two normal annual visits.

He added they would be meeting CID officers, the Narcotics Department, Police Commissioner Colin Coxall and the United States Consul.

"This is purely a routine liaison and is not part of any criminal investigation.'' P.c. Venning said the agents had boarded the cruise liner Dreamward , but this was a "personal visit at the invitation of the ship's captain''.