During a major press conference recently by the new President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and the President of Afghanistan Hamid Katzai, both leaders pledged a new thrust in the war against terrorism, which has lead to chaotic conditions and heavy loss of life in both countries.

The new Pakistan President opted to hold a joint press conference with the Afghanistan President shortly after taking the oath of office instead of a nationwide address, without having to face tough questions about the future of these two countries.

While both leaders eloquently expressed their mutual dedication to eliminating terrorism from their soil, the Afghanistan President pointed to a need for change in tactics, that would involve targeting the headquarters of terrorists and their training grounds instead of mainly going after them in villages where many civilians fall victim in deadly crossfire.

Both men conceded it would be a long hard struggle, but that objectives of peace loving people were bigger than the problems they are confronted with, and they must continue to persevere despite the obstacles. However, there are so many complex issues involved that sadly terrorism is likely to be a fact of life in that region for some time.

While watching and listening to the two men, something stood out that could be applied to Bermuda's current war on illegal drugs. In other words, are we targeting the core operators or are we simply going after small players in the villages? Even the underworld have their version of CEOs.

It is dangerous work for the Police and Customs officials who try to crack these operations, because so much money is involved, there is no telling how far the big players are likely to go to protect their interest. This could be one of the reasons many citizens are reluctant to use the Crime Stoppers hot line even though the calls are confidential. It's a little like the prohibition period in the United States, when gangsters ruled with an iron fist until the law got equally tough in order to gain the upper hand.

Maybe our system is just too soft on crime when it comes to discouraging illegal drug traffickers. Few would deny that illegal drug activity is weaving its way through our society like an out of control virus.

If this trend continues one or two things will happen. More families will fall victim as the country hesitates to dramatically switch its targets, or the situation will reach a stage where nothing short of draconian will be required to halt the tide of social corrosion, that could wipe away everything peace-loving Bermudians take pride in. There are a few countries which drug traffickers avoid most of the time out of fear of execution if they are caught. It may be draconian but they get the message.

There seems to be an attitude that the illegal drug problem in Bermuda is not really that bad , or since there seems to be no way of stopping it, we might as well accept it as part of today's lifestyle.

There is going to be a heavy price to pay later if our legislators fail to seize the moment and draft new, tougher laws to combat this trade. Without harsher penalties the business will flourish, while more families are ruined. That seems to be happening. This leaves some wondering just how powerful the big players are? If Bermuda is to re-claim its good, peaceful image, the community needs to throw its full support behind the Police and all who face dangers on a daily basis in trying to uphold our laws and protect our values.

There is little doubt that illegal drug activity is behind the current wave of violent robberies, handbag snatching and house-breaking throughout our land. As long as the criminal has no real fear of consequences this problem will get worse.

Burying our heads in the pink sand and pretending it will fade in time is not only foolish but socially suicidal. No matter how beautifully a house is painted on the outside, if the inside is falling apart it will make the outer glow meaningless.

Bermuda must adopt a no nonsense approach against illegal drug activity now, or face the consequences of having our Bermuda like the nicely painted house, crumbling on the inside. Unless our political and religious leaders can stand up jointly and declare," enough is enough", criminals will have the upper hand. If that is allowed to happen we will have no one to blame but ourselves.