initiatives aimed at combating the illicit trades in drugs and money.

At a news conference, Minister of Health and Social Services the Hon. Quinton Edness and Finance Minister the Hon. David Saul announced Bermuda had signed the Vienna Convention, a global agreement to share information on the drugs trade.

And at the same meeting, the Ministers said new legislation would also be introduced to help deal with other international criminal activities, in particular money laundering.

The Vienna Convention was established in 1988 by the United Nations in response to the huge international growth in the drugs trade. Countries eligible to join had to set up specific legislation dealing with drugs.

With the Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1994, Bermuda had the necessary laws and yesterday's move means the Island will now share information on the drugs trade worldwide.

"Extension of the Convention to Bermuda is a recognition that Bermuda has taken the necessary steps to bring itself within the broad philosophy of anti-international drug trafficking and is prepared to cooperate on an international basis in dealing with associated criminal activity,'' said Mr.

Edness.

"We are as a Government very concerned to stamp out the illicit use of drugs locally and this will go a long way in helping.

"This makes Bermuda more effective in its efforts in dealing with illicit trafficking and makes us part of a very important network that shares information to more effectively deal with drugs trafficking,'' he added.

According to Dr. Saul, the next step will be to establish steps to deal with international activity not specifically related to drugs. It is expected new legislation will be introduced during the Fall session.

"The obvious move from drug trafficking and the illicit funds that stem from that is money laundering. The next step, which will put Bermuda right up with the leading nations and protect our international business reputation, is a piece of legislation dealing with money laundering,'' he said.

Dr. Saul said there was no problem with money laundering in Bermuda, but it was important to guard the Island's image.

"This will make certain that in everyone's eyes we are seen as being as pure as we can possibly be.'' Last night, the Government's initiative was welcomed by Mrs. Eugenie Simmons, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Commission, who said it was a positive step forward.

"I think very often as we examine drug treatment and how to reduce drugs in the country we forget the supply side. I think this is a real boost for those services, like the Police and Customs, who are controlling supply,'' she said.