The American Society is looking for volunteers to visit American women being held at Bermuda's Co-Ed Facility.

And a tour of the Ferry Reach facility is being organised through the US Consulate to get the American Prisoners in Bermuda Assistance Programme started.

Ms Nancy Smythe, a director of the American Society, said six to ten American women are in the prison. Most of them are young and serving terms of six to eight years for attempting to smuggle drugs onto the Island.

Typically, the women were hard up for money and used by drug traffickers as "mules'', likely without knowing the harsh penalties they would face.

The society believes that "positive contact'' would help the women emerge from the prison as better citizens. It is also trying to obtain books and other educational materials for them.

"Knowing that someone was out there paying attention to them would be an emotional comfort,'' Ms Smythe said.

Generally, the women are not eligible for Government's day release programme, because they do not have work permits. But Ms Smythe said she would hope volunteer activities could be set up for such women on day release.

The tour is planned for 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Those interested are asked to contact Ms Smythe at 292-5320.

American Consul General Mr. Bob Farmer has said he is pushing to have signs posted in airports of American cities with flights to Bermuda, warning of the Island's penalties for drug smugglers.