drug-infested areas.

Minister of Delegated Affairs the Hon. Sir John Sharpe revealed this yesterday at a United Bermuda Party press conference on crime and future plans for treating offenders.

Sir John said he and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness, who are running in Warwick West, have been told that drugs is the major concern of residents in that parish.

"The people there contend that sometimes they witness the sale of drugs right under their noses,'' he said. "We know the areas and the Police know the areas.'' And, Sir John said, he and Mr. Edness visited Police Commissioner Mr. Lennett (Lennie) Edwards on Monday "to emphasise the need to be seen to be acting strongly against it''.

UBP Sandys North candidate Mr. Edward Bailey stressed that Government was also determined to stamp out the drug pockets in Sandys.

He promised that the Naval Field area in Sandys "will become drug free''.

"Government,'' he added, "will not tolerate having the residents in Somerset intimidated in any way.'' This was re-emphasised by Sir John who said: "The Commissioner is considering enhancing the number of patrols in those areas. And perhaps there will be more raids in these trouble spots.'' But he quickly added that the war on drugs must be fought with a three-prong approach -- interdiction, education, and rehabilitation.

And he said the UBP had responded in all three areas.

"We have introduced tougher laws for drug trafficking,'' Sir John said.

"But we also accept Judge Tumim's contention that too many persons, especially young black males, are ending up in prison for a combination of minor offences.'' Therefore, he said, Government has removed mandatory prison sentences for minor traffic offences and has given the magistrates discretion -- "particularly with respect to community service orders as a substitute for prison''.

Sir John said the UBP had also substantially strengthened the infrastructure of the Police, "particularly in respect to communications and utilisation that enables them to do more with less''. Twin evils prompt `get tough' pledges -- See Page 5.

The Hon. Sir John Sharpe.