A new team dedicated to enforcing customs controls at ports of entry for all cruise ships has been established to help stop drugs getting into the Island.National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief made the announcement in the House of Assembly this morning.He said: “Honourable Members will be aware that the cruise ship season has commenced in earnest. Significant numbers of visitors to the Island will come to know Bermuda through the seven day cruise from the East Coast of the United States.“It is therefore important that we provide adequate security and safety at our cruise terminals so that officers can discharge their duties efficiently and every effort can be made to prevent the importation of dangerous goods and illicit substances into Bermuda via cruise ships.“Therefore Mr Speaker, I am pleased to advise Honourable Members that the border control elements of HM Customs have provided a dedicated team tasked with enforcing customs controls at ports of entry for all cruise ships scheduled to arrive during this 2012 season.“Mr Speaker, in support of these efforts, the Department has partnered with the cruise lines in a unique way to ensure that interdictive efforts are intelligence driven. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, a strategic partnership has been forged with the US Customs Border Protection HSI or Homeland Security Investigations. Through these invaluable links, the department is well positioned to meet the challenge of illegal importation of drugs and contraband into Bermuda.“In the coming weeks I will be meeting onsite with the team responsible for the Dockyard piers to discuss means of further strengthening the enforcement effort in that area. There are some issues to be addressed and at this early part of the season we have the opportunity to do so.“The Government’s continuous effort to keep Bermuda safe must be waged on many fronts. I wish to assure the public that we are keenly aware of the means and manner by which items intended for use in criminal enterprise can come into Bermuda. We are working every day to outpace those who would profit from these activities.”