one of the "best administrations in the world''.

Mr. Ardis, 59, will call it a day in about eight months but news of his impending retirement was released yesterday by Finance Minister Grant Gibbons.

"It has been a tremendously enjoyable job. I have had a great time and worked with some great people.

"If you want to do exciting things and make a difference to society I would recommend Customs to any young person,'' said Mr. Ardis.

He joined the Customs administration as Collector seven years ago following a career in the Bermuda Police Service which he joined in 1966, coming from Northern Ireland.

Over the last five years alone he has seen more than 700 drug seizures, 400 people -- including 169 international drug runners -- arrested and 780 kilos of drugs worth more than $53 million seized.

"I am proud of that record which is a direct reflection of the Customs officers, particularly many of the young officers,'' said Mr. Ardis.

"The other thing I am pleased with is the change in the credibility of the department in Bermuda and internationally.

"It is recognised as one of the best small Customs administrations anywhere -- it is recognised internationally as such,'' added Mr. Ardis, who is one of the longest serving Collectors this century.

Yesterday Dr. Gibbons praised Mr. Ardis for the job he has done since taking over as Collector.

"Bermuda has every reason to be grateful for what Mr. Ardis has been able to accomplish,'' said the Minister. "He has been Collector during seven years of significant change and modernisation in that department.'' Dr. Gibbons added: "Customs officers are on the front line of the war against drugs and firearms in addition to having responsibility for administering the collection of Customs duty, one of the Island's main sources of revenue.

"During the last seven years, Mr. Ardis has helped introduce the use of computerised intelligence data and has introduced Customs Officers to a whole range of new skills and techniques to prevent illicit international trade.'' An advertisement for Mr. Ardis' job will be published in the near future by the Public Service Commission.

Both senior managers within the public and private sectors are being encouraged to apply for the post.

RETIRING: Jerry Ardis