Heroin use is on the rise in Bermuda -- despite Police claims to the contrary, according to drugs experts.

In a faxed questionnaire last week Ch. Insp. Larry Smith, of the Narcotics squad, told The Royal Gazette that there was no evidence to say that heroin had risen in popularity.

However, drugs workers directly contradicted this and confirmed that prices were plummeting -- indicating that supplies had shot up.

Focus counsellor Sandy Butterfield said: "Yes heroin use has definitely increased. I have seen a change in the past three or four years.'' She said dealers were now selling tiny hits of heroin for as little as $10.

And Mrs. Butterfield poured scorn on Police claims that heroin use was remaining stagnant.

She said: "It's about supply and demand. I am sure it's never gone below $50 before. It's the same with cocaine.'' Mrs. Butterfield said reports from agencies dealing with drug users were a much better indicator of the true picture than seizure rates.

The most recent figures reveal that heroin seizures have fallen.

In 1997 more than $500,000 worth was seized, but in 1998 the value of heroin seizures fell to $183,000.

Mrs. Butterfield said: "There are large numbers of people going for detox treatment.

"I don't think the Police are really interested in which particular drug people are doing. They are just concerned with catching them.

"Drug users aren't going to tell the Police what they're on.

"Drug use goes in cycles -- now heroin is big again.'' National Drugs Commission Chief Executive Officer Derrick Binns agreed.

Dr. Binns said: "We have heard that prices of heroin are coming down.

Availability has increased. We know that with increased availability you get increased use.

"What the Police are talking about is seizures, that doesn't give a clear picture of availability.

"We don't have data about the drugs on the Island, seizure statistics don't always equate.

"We listen to what treatment agencies are hearing from their clients. Over the past five years there's been a general move towards increased heroin use.''