A shocked store owner yesterday pulled bags pushing a drugs message sold to youngsters as schoolbags.

Phoenix Stores owner Ward Young acted after The Royal Gazette tipped him off about the trendily-styled backpacks with a marijuana message.

The bags -- in black with red and blue patches -- carry the word "roach'', slang for a marijuana cigarette on the flap.

The logo shows a cartoon-style character in striped trousers and cap puffing on a joint and flashing the peace sign.

Around the figure are the words "Radical Opiates Activates Contorted Horizon.

(ROACH)'' The Royal Gazette was shown one of the Chinese-made, US-supplied bags by a 36-year-old member of the Big Brothers and Sisters Programme, who mentors an 11-year-boy.

The man, who asked not to be named, said: "He went out to get a bag for the new school term and came back with this.

"It's an advertisement for drugs on children's backs -- I'm totally against them and when I saw it, I couldn't believe it.

"Bringing these things in period is wrong, but bringing them for children to buy is disgraceful.'' The $13.95 bag was bought in Phoenix Store's Annex shop by the schoolboy this week.

Mr. Ward said around six of the bags had come in from a US supplier in what is known in the trade as "a decent assortment''.

Within minutes of the call from The Royal Gazette the remaining bag was off the shelves and Mr. Ward urged anyone who had bought one to bring it back for an exchange or credit.

Mr. Young added: "They must have been put on the shelves without anyone looking at them closely and I can only apologise.

He admitted: "I was shocked -- I won't be buying from that supplier again.'' Mr. Ward's prompt action was praised by Education Minister Jerome Dill and National Drug Commission chief Eugenie Simmons.

Mr. Dill said: "I think that the unfortunate thing here really is that this is a sign of the times.'' He added that he was concerned at the amount of violence seen on films and cartoons aimed at children.

Mr. Dill warned: "We need to pay far more attention to what is in the best interests of our children.

"It's extremely responsible of Mr. Ward and the only way we are going to achieve anything as far as children are concerned is to get in their while they're young.

Mr. Dill was backed by Ms. Simmons, who said she was horrified manufacturers and suppliers felt there was money in such merchandise.

She said: "An 11-year-old sees something like this and they think it's a wonderful thing to have. I commend his Big Brother for bringing this to people's attention.

"If we had more adults and parents of this calibre, things would be a lot better.'' BAG-GONE -- Store owner stamped out `the Roach'