marijuana while on duty.

The Policeman, understood to be a motorcycle patrol officer, was picked up by fellow officers as he watched a football match at White Hill Field, Sandys Parish, on Sunday afternoon.

Two Policemen were match officials at the Devonshire Colts versus Vasco match when the officer was allegedly caught smoking the drug.

Informed sources told The Royal Gazette that one of the match officials reported his fellow officer to Police.

The incident came two days after United Bermuda Party MP Tim Smith told the House of Assembly that drug-dealing and drug taking occur regularly at football and cricket grounds.

There are claims that crowds are dwindling because of the prevalence of drugs among spectators.

Police were called to investigate reports that the officer was smoking the drugs as he sat watching the game .

Witnesses said the suspended officer climbed off his patrol bike and into a private car when he was spotted allegedly smoking the drug.

A Police spokeswoman yesterday denied the officer had been arrested, but did confirm he was taken to Somerset Police Station.

Because of the seriousness of the allegation, it was decided to immediately suspend him from duty. He will remain suspended until a police investigation is completed.

A Police statement yesterday said: "Police officers relieved a fellow officer of his duties Sunday afternoon following allegations by a member of the public against the officer's conduct.

"The incident was reported during a game at the White Hill Field, Sunday afternoon around 3, and because of the serious nature of the report, a decision was made to immediately relieve him of his responsibilities.

"He was conveyed to Somerset Police Station, and an investigation is underway.'' CRIME CRM DRUGS DGS