The Police are to appoint a top UK cop to handle Narcotics and Intelligence as Government continues its clampdown on drugs.

Governor Sir John Vereker has ruled out a street level campaign against pushers in favour of targeting those who benefit higher up.

He said: ?Drugs and crime are closely linked in Bermuda.

?Ten days ago the Bermuda Police Service with my knowledge and approval, arrested a number of individuals on suspicion of criminal involvement in drugs and money laundering associated with drugs.

?This was the culmination of an investigation by the Police Service targeted on those who control, and profit from, street level drug trading.

?It is far more effective than simply sweeping street traders from one area to another.

?I am determined this proactive approach to drugs and crime will continue and I am putting in place additional law enforcement capacity to focus upon it.?

He said the Government had agreed to have a three-year appointment of a second Assistant Commissioner to work alongside incumbent Carlton Adams.

?I will be appointing a senior officer from the United Kingdom to fill this post, with responsibility for Crime, Narcotics and Intelligence and for providing support to senior officers, by way of mentoring and training, so as to ensure smooth succession planning in the Service.?

The Governor also announced Narcotics head Superintendent Larry Smith will retire in February.

Premier Alex Scott said drugs drove crime in Bermuda and concern over that had prompted the recent appointment of a Minister for controlling drugs who would work with the new Police appointment.

?We will drive drug traffickers to their knees, that?s our commitment. It isn?t going to be business as usual.?

understands that Government House was keen to have an outsider up to date with the highest international standards take the new Police post. While a competent local candidate could be found, the officer might not be up to speed with the best possible accreditation levels.

Appointing an outsider, runs the logic, reassures the public the matter is being taken seriously while having someone with no local connections also helps puts them beyond accusations of favouritism and corruption.

The plan got a mixed response from serving officers. One P.c. said: ?It?s a good idea. It gives the Service the shake-up it badly needs.?

However, one middle ranking officer said the idea was a slap in the face for current senior officers and predicted the new Assistant Commissioner, who is expected to arrive in the first quarter of next year, would receive scant cooperation from senior officers.

Once the new team has settled an inspection by Her Majesty?s Inspector of Constabularies will be arranged to provide the new Commissioner with an objective view of priorities, said the Governor.