one of the Island's most prominent social clubs.

The discovery, made by Police during a "routine search'' in the early hours of yesterday, comes just days after Shadow Sports Minister Tim Smith expressed concerns that clubs were benefitting from drug use within grounds.

And it also coincides with the news that a Police officer was suspended following allegations that he was smoking marijuana at a football ground last weekend.

Speaking in the House of Assembly last week, Mr. Smith said it was "relatively well known'' that drugs are dealt openly at many sports grounds.

He added: "There is a common knowledge that some sports grounds derive a benefit form drug-dealing on their premises.'' It is understood that, in the wake of yesterday's find, sports officials held an emergency meeting to discuss the issue last night.

Package found at sports club And today Bermuda's largest sporting bodies will respond to the allegations that illicit drug use actually profits their clubs.

The Bermuda Football Association and the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control have called a joint press conference for noon today where they promise to tackle the issue.

Uniformed Police officers obtained the clear plastic bag which contained seven small envelopes with plant material. The seizure took place shortly before 2 a.m. yesterday during a routine search of the club grounds.

Last night PHC Club president Chris Furbert was emphatic that the club was closed at the time officers made the find. The club hosted a bingo game on Tuesday night but was completely shut before midnight.

Mr. Furbert said: "In the last two years since I became president I have not witnessed anybody or could identify anybody taking drugs.

"We have signs outside the club strictly forbidding the taking of drugs on the premises but there will be people loitering around the grounds.'' Mr.

Furbert said the club was taking adequate steps to prevent drug taking on the premises and had formed a committee to deal with the problem.

"We will not tolerate drugs on our property,'' he said.

"We receive outside assistance but it is not on a consistent basis.''