The nuts and bolts of a major street-level narcotics operation which has so far netted 17 alleged drug dealers was unveiled yesterday.

And Operation Cleansweep gleaned full praise for the part it played in the war on the Island's drug problem.

Police Commissioner Colin Coxall said: "Streets of Bermuda which were traditionally drug sites are now empty.'' He revealed that more people were set to appear in court and face similar charges but would not disclose how many.

Premier Pamela Gordon said: "I know I am speaking for virtually every man, woman and child in Bermuda when I express my delight at this breakthrough Police operation, and when I offer my congratulations to everyone involved.

"This has been a real mid-Atlantic operation with members of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) and our own narcotics officers working under the direction of an officer of Scotland Yard.

"Everyone knows where I stand on drugs,'' she continued. "I said when I became Premier that I would not rest until the scourge of drug abuse, in whatever form, was eliminated from Bermuda.'' US Consul General Robert Farmer said: "There will be a lot of people who will not be able to find their usual fix.'' He added that if these people thought about becoming dealers then they would face a similar future which would likely include a lengthy prison term and a ban on travel to the US.

Operation Cleansweep was the result of the concern he felt about the amount of drug dealing taking place in Bermuda when he arrived, said Mr. Coxall.

Crimes were up because of drugs, he continued, as users had to find ways to support their habits.

"Drug criminals are a blight on the life of the community,'' he noted.

Meanwhile "drug supermarkets'' were making about $20,000 a day and dealers were selling their deadly wares around children, he said.

Although he would not reveal the Police Service's upcoming plans to continue fighting the problem, he vowed: "We will continue until we eradicate all drug dealers.'' Ms Gordon added: "The Government is serious about our opposition to drugs.

No-one should doubt it. We are determined to give the streets of Bermuda back to the people, and to rid this place of this destructive plague.'' Mr. Coxall said he realised expertise was needed to deal with the situation which was why he arranged for Scotland Yard Det. Supt. Paul Hoare to come to the Island.

He exchanged places with Ch. Insp. George Jackson who is set to return at the end of the month and take over the team of officers now experienced in this type of operation.

Det. Supt. Hoare was responsible for conducting an assessment of the problem which highlighted the need for undercover work to combat the drug scourge.

The operation was based on a model that had been in use for four years in the UK, said Det. Supt. Hoare.

It involved the identification of places where drug dealing was taking place and the setting up of observation posts at those areas.

Then people were required to go undercover and make test purchases of the various drugs available for sale.

These transactions were videotaped for evidence in the courts, he continued.

Mr. Coxall said a request for assistance was sent to US DEA divisional head John Coleman.

Cleansweep details revealed by Police He provided a number of volunteer DEA officers to mount the undercover operation -- which used top technology including special video cameras -- and ran over the past four months under "great secrecy''.

Mr. Coleman stressed the officers were asked to volunteer because of the great personal risk involved.

The operation was very dangerous and required massive planning and coordination of people and hi-tech equipment, added Det. Supt. Hoare.

He added that the operation in the UK had a 98 percent conviction rate and he felt Bermuda would enjoy similar results.

And he said he expected there would be serious objections from defence counsels but these would mainly be on points of law.

Fifteen of the men arrested in the operation appeared in Magistrates' Court on Friday while two more were charged yesterday. See story above So far two of the men have pleaded guilty while the others either denied the charges or elected Supreme Court trials.

The alleged deals ranged in value from $25 to $100 and occurred mainly in Warwick and the Broome Street area of Sandys Parish in April and May.