Bermuda national team wicket-keeper Dean Minors is expected to appear in court today charged with importation of drugs.

There was shock in the cricketing world yesterday as word spread that the 31-year-old St. George's player had been arrested on suspicion of importing marijuana.

He was arrested at Bermuda International Airport after arriving on New Year's night on a charter flight from Orlando, Florida.

He was being held yesterday at Hamilton Police Station and it is thought he will appear at Magistrates' Court today on drugs offences.

A Police spokesman refused to confirm that it was the star cricketer who had been arrested, but several Police sources identified the man as Mr. Minors.

The Police spokesman would only say: "A 31-year-old St. George's man was arrested at the Airport under the Misuse of Drugs Act.'' Mr. Minors has a clean-cut image both on and off the cricket field, which fuelled disbelief yesterday at his arrest.

He was the coach and vice-captain of the St. George's Cricket Club in last year's Cup Match, and was a talented soccer player.

As well as organising summer sports camps in the old town, he is employed as a Physical Education teacher at CedarBridge Academy.

CedarBridge Principal Kalmar Richards said last night: "I have no comment.

All comment has to be directed to the Permanent Secretary of Education.'' Louis (Red) DeSilva, the President of St. George's Cricket Club, yesterday stood by Minors in the face of rumours about his arrest.

He said: "I don't know anything except what I've heard. Dean has been a person that I've always had deep respect for, and I have high hopes for.

"My hope in all of this is that it is a bad dream, and a big mistake. And, until I find out otherwise, I'll continue to have deep respect for Dean.'' Arrested: Dean Minors