The Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) has closed its doors most nights of the week following a Police drugs raid.

During the Friday night swoop, substances suspected to be crack cocaine and cannabis were discovered and two men were arrested in connection with the find.

A 52-year-old Pembroke man and a 34-year-old Warwick man have been given Police bail and inquiries are continuing.

Yesterday PHC's Executive Committee released a statement following a meeting Monday night.

It said: "In light of the weekend's actions, the Executive Committee has decided that the Pembroke Hamilton Club will be closed immediately with the exception of Wednesday evenings -- its bingo night, Sundays and special events.'' PHC President Chris Furbert explained Wednesday night had been chosen as a night to stay open because "there was no activity'' that night.

And he said Sunday openings would allow cricketers to enjoy using the club after their game.

The statement said: "The club will remain closed indefinitely until the Executive Committee has had a chance to further evaluate the situation and to introduce more stringent operating procedures.'' One senior member of the club told The Royal Gazette the decision to shut down had been forced on the committee by ordinary members.

And the source said that members had been put off from attending the club in Middle Road because of the drug element hanging around there.

One local resident said: "There are guys constantly hanging around and people coming in and going back out again.

"At night we hear them arguing, fighting and cursing one another.'' The club emphasised it has taken a strong stand against drugs.

The statement said: "The Executive Committee stresses emphatically that it does not condone the use or selling of illegal drugs and have, in the past, tried unsuccessfully to rid its premises of this evil.'' The statement said the club has told Police of its concern.

"We have met on numerous occasions under the several different committees, with representatives of the Police Service and area Members of Parliament.

"We would like to emphasise that the PHC Executive Committee fully supports any action to rid the Warwick community and Bermuda of the evils of illegal drugs.

PHC closes "The Executive Committee, on behalf of its members, continues to work diligently to revamp its programmes, building and surrounding grounds, for the betterment of its members, the Warwick community and Bermuda at large.'' The committee apologised to its members and patrons for the temporary closure.