An anti-drug youth organisation has taken a hard blow after one of its former members, Zephrya Gibbons, was convicted of importing $1.7 million worth of heroin and accused of "betraying her people".

PRIDE executive director Judith Burgess said: "Even if you can only reach one ... I tell you, I wish Zephrya was that one."

Gibbons, a 21-year-old newlywed with a two-year-old son and another baby on the way, was given a 13-year prison sentence on Monday after pleading guilty to importing more than $1.7 million worth of diamorphine into the Island earlier this year.

During her sentencing, defence lawyer Larry Mussenden asked Assistant Justice Archibald Warner for leniency, citing her former involvement with PRIDE.

But Mr. Warner replied: "When she was in PRIDE, she was face-to-face with people involved in drugs; she should have known better."

Last night Mrs. Burgess said she realised shortly before the sentencing that a new emphasis must be placed on the message of not having anything to do with drugs, in addition to the current message of Don't do Drugs.

"I would really think Zephrya is drug-free - really, it's about choices and decisions," said Mrs. Burgess.

Several current members of PRIDE remember Gibbons, who was considered bright, cheery and active, said Mrs. Burgess.

"My heart is saddened, just by virtue of the fact that I work with young people. It's hard to see anyone go away for such a long period of time, especially if you haven't heard anyone say anything negative about her," Mrs. Burgess added.

During Gibbons' sentencing, Mr. Mussenden said: "(Gibbons) is a victim of the drug scourge as well."

Mr. Justice Warner responded: "How can you say that! She is a facilitator, she knowingly brought $1.7 million worth of drugs into Bermuda. I find it hard to think that she's a victim."

Mrs. Burgess told The Royal Gazette: "It's all about decisions. You can be in PRIDE up until you're 18-years-old, but when you go away - you have to make a decision."

The PRIDE programme that Gibbons attended as a child has changed drastically over the years, according to one former member.

In the early 1990s, PRIDE amalgamated with Youth-to-Youth and turned their annual anti-drug conference for teens into a hugeschedule of activities.

Some of the new aspects include a Code of Discipline, Bill of Rights, Behaviour Check List and Drug Knowledge Tests said Mrs. Burgess.