Government officials were tight-lipped yesterday over a New York cocaine bust allegedly involving a Bermudian Customs official and a local footballer.

The Royal Gazette reported Bermudian Customs officer Betty Azzario was nabbed by New York drug enforcement officers as she attempted to board a Bermuda-bound jet last week carrying one-and-a-half kilos of cocaine.

It was also revealed that former Bermuda National Team footballer Dennis Robinson was allegedly arrested as her boyfriend accomplice when she made a controlled delivery of the drugs, which have a Bermuda street value of $375,000.

Both were arraigned last Thursday, Mrs. Azzario for exportation of a controlled drug and Mr. Robinson for illicit drug conspiracy. They are currently being held at a New York detention centre.

Yesterday, Finance Minister Eugene Cox was not able to be reached for comment.

But one Government spokesperson said on behalf of the Collector of Customs Bill LeDrew -- who is off the Island -- that an investigation was "ongoing''.

The official denied that any other Customs officers were involved with the alleged drug exportation.

`Action' vowed if other Customs officers involved in US drugs bust "We know of nothing which would indicate that other officers are involved,'' he said.

"But if (the investigation reveals) others are involved, there will be swift action. This sort of behaviour is not to be tolerated.'' The spokesperson said as part of the investigation, Customs officials were looking at policies and procedures to make sure they were followed in the case of Mrs. Azzario "as a first step''.

And Mr. Robinson's former employer expressed shock over yesterday's allegations.

Bruce Barritt, sales manager of John Barritt and Sons Ltd., said Mr. Robinson had worked for the company until July of this year.

And he said the news of the allegations "struck everyone like a thunderbolt''.

"It's a big surprise for all of us,'' Mr. Barritt said. "He had a good education and seemed destined for success.'' BERMUDIAN BDA CRIME CRM