aimed at treatment and prevention.

The long-awaited blitz by the proposed National Drugs Strategy group has been given fresh impetus by the Judge Stephen Tumim report.

Judge Tumim, reporting on Bermuda's criminal justice system, recommended the new body be properly funded to carry out its work.

He said drugs -- and traffic offences -- were behind many of Bermuda's crime problems.

And yesterday Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness reaffirmed Government backing for the anti-drugs push.

He said legislation to set up the new drugs authority should be put into place when Parliament reconvenes.

"Government has a commitment to do something about drugs in Bermuda.'' Mr. Edness said the offensive would be two-pronged -- attacking drug supply, and stepping up education about the scourge.

He pointed out Government had already voiced support for the Dr. David Archibald report, which recommended the National Drugs Strategy.

But it was inappropriate to talk about costs at this stage, he added.

The National Drugs Strategy is expected to need a $1.2 million first budget, from April 1.

In his report, Judge Tumim stated: "Drugs and traffic offences have led to many of the problems with the criminal justice system in Bermuda, and in particular, to some strained relationships between some members of the public and the Police.'' Judge Tumim praised Dr. Archibald for highlighting many of Bermuda's problems, and calling for rehabilitation of drug offenders.

"The drugs scene in Bermuda is complicated by the fact that there is an overlap between those who use drugs and those who trade in them.

"The Island contains traffickers and dealers, respectively the international and national wholesalers of drugs; and pushers and users, the retailers and receivers.

"Pushers as well as users are likely to abuse drugs, and are particularly likely to end up being caught.

"Both need help, in addition to punishment, and on a small Island it was considered important that support facilities were available.

"In particular, young people who made limited use of drugs should be helped quickly, and not be criminalised if at all possible.'' Judge Tumim described it as "essential'' for the National Drugs Strategy to be given both the authority and resources needed.

And he saw a special role for the Police in rehabilitating drug offenders.

"We wish to see more diversion from custody. Prison should only be used as a last resort.

"This means that Police have got to be involved in the decision to divert, as magistrates could argue that they can only act on the cases brought to them.'' Mr. Alastair Macdonald, chairman of the 24-member interim steering committee of the National Drugs Strategy, welcomed Judge Tumim's support -- although he had not studied it.

"It seems very good. He has raised issues to be addressed, and I hope they will be addressed and dealt with.

"He has also cleared the air, and focused on the drugs strategy,'' he said.

Mr. Macdonald said Government had recently given his committee $150,000.

He estimated around $1.2 million would be needed for the new authority to come "out of its blocks running''.