Bermuda's tough drug laws.

Mrs. Sonia Lee Johnson is concerned at the number of Jamaican nationals being used in drug smuggling operations to Bermuda.

A founder of the Jamaica Association (Bermuda), Mrs. Johnson is to warn would-be couriers in Jamaica and New York of the consequences.

She said: "A trend seemed to have developed in which young Jamaican girls are being used in the narcotics trade in Bermuda.'' Warning them not to be lured into what may seem like a way to make quick money, she added: "Not only can they get long prison terms, but those Jamaicans who are residents of the United States face possible deportation back to Jamaica.'' Eleven Jamaicans are jailed in Bemruda with an additional three on remand awaiting trial. Jamaicans are currently serving up to 18 years and are as young as 17-years-old.

"For a small island community such as Bermuda to have 14 Jamaicans in its prison system is a disgrace,'' Mrs. Johnson said.