The Minister of National Drug Control has confirmed that crack house closures promised almost two months ago have not taken place and no time scale has been set.

The news drew condemnation from the campaign organisation Bermudians Against Narcotics (BAN), which described it as ?unacceptable?. On November 12, speaking at a Court Street rally organised by BAN, Attorney General Larry Mussenden reported that the Police had identified 17 dens listed for drugs busts.

He warned: ?If there is anyone in the Government services, or in Bermuda, turning away from their duties (to stop drug trafficking) they should be sitting in the dock at the court. It doesn?t matter who they are, if they are dealing in drugs they should be dealt with by the Police.?

Despite repeated calls to the Attorney General since Wednesday, he did not respond to requests for an update on the situation. However, Mr. Perinchief said yesterday that the raids are yet to take place.

?A list of crack houses has been compiled and certain steps are being made to identify the owners. Because of the comprehensive process it?s not simply about busting a crack house,? he said. ?The government are concerned about rehabilitating those who can be rehabilitated. This will be an organised process and it?s going to take some time to organise.

?We have no time scale set. You cannot set a time scale for an operation like this. In some instances we have already found that the owners (of the crack houses) are deceased or that they are unidentifiable.?

?Unlike in the past we are not going for quick fixes. We are going for a strategy that will close these places once and for all.?

BAN spokesman Takbir Sharrieff, who is Mr. Perinchief?s brother, said of this news: ?There has been a lack of action for too long when it comes to tackling drugs issues in Bermuda. I am concerned that there is not a time frame.

?If it is known where these premises are they should be closed down immediately. A crack house is a house that deals in death. Every minute that it is open there is a chance for someone to put a needle in their arm and maybe lose their life. Any delay is unacceptable.? also attempted to contact Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety Randolph Horton, but was told he is off the Island.