A delegation of six US lawmakers will arrive in Bermuda tomorrow for a whistle-stop tour to discuss security, drug interdiction, illegal financial practise and anti-money laundering measures.

The Congressional Delegation will arrive on the Island to speak with senior Police officers after spending time in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands and the Bahamas as part of a week-long tour.

It has been arranged in conjunction with the US Consulate, and no formal approach has been made to Government.

Over the two-day period, in what has been described by the US Consulate as a normal procedure to enable the delegates to gather information, they will explore a number of issues to see if working relations can be enhanced further.

US Consul General Dennis Coleman said: "They are doing a grand sweep through the Caribbean and up through the Bahamas, and then on to Bermuda.

"It is very normal. Congress is in recess and congressional delegations are a normal occurrence. They are simply coming to gather information on a first hand basis."

The purpose of the visit is to discuss security since September 11, money laundering, drug smuggling, and other major crimes which have a direct impact on the US.

However, Mr. Coleman said he was unable to reveal who was coming to the Island, and who in Bermuda would be meeting with them.

A US newswire service said earlier this week that Republican Gregory W. Meeks would be participating in the delegation, which was being led by Republican Mark Souder, who is chairman of the House Subcommittee on criminal justice, drug policy and human resources.

And others believed to be on the tour are Ben Gilman, a New York Republican, Sheila Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, Todd Akin, a Missouri Republican, and Jo Ann Davis, from Virgina.

Assistant Collector of Customs Larry Conn last night said he was unaware of the visit, and Police were unable to reveal any information or comment.

And Government Information Services said they had little information.

A spokeswoman said: "The visit was arranged through the US Consul General and no formal approach has been made to Government or to Government House. We know that they are meeting with the Police Commissioner, or Acting Police Commissioner, to discuss issues of mutual interest."