Police have seized shipping containers destined for Jamaica on suspicion that they contain contraband.

According to sources, information came to light that illegal goods may be mixed with legitimate items in containers hired by private individuals.

Five in total have been seized from the dockside in Hamilton. Officers were searching the items inside yesterday, but had not found any stolen goods. One container had been cleared and returned to the docks.

A Police insider explained: "This is not something organised by the shipping lines. People from countries that have a resident population in Bermuda can buy a container of 20 feet or 40 feet from the shipping lines. It's people in the community getting things ready for Christmas."

This is not the first operation of its kind. The Royal Gazette reported in April how a huge stash of stolen construction equipment worth more than $50,000 was uncovered by Police from a number of giant containers across the Island. Cement mixers, toilets, air conditioners and doors and windows were among the items recovered on that occasion.

It remained unclear yesterday what type of stolen items Police believe may be in the latest seizure.

A spokesman said: "There is a clear trend that has been employed by unscrupulous individuals who have been shipping stolen goods with legitimate goods out of the Island over the last few months. This has resulted in a number of containers being seized by the Police over the last few days.

"The containers will be inspected and the contents will be verified. The Police will be working diligently to return the legitimate goods to their owners in a timely fashion."

For more information, contact Central CIU at 295-0011.