Point.

The newly set up Task Force is to launch a mini-Operation Cleansweep drugs busting operation centred on Admiralty House and Spanish Point Parks.

The news came from the United Bermuda Party's Pembroke West by-election candidate Gary Pitman during his first speech to the branch.

Mr. Pitman said: "The problems in Pembroke West mirror the broader community.

Drug dealing and violence are here on our doorsteps.'' But he added: "Next time it will be our turn to participate in Operation Cleansweep.'' Mr. Pitman told branch members he had met Acting Deputy Commissioner Harold Moniz to discuss the problem.

He added: "I was informed that a Task Force established not quite a month ago, currently dealing with gang violence, will shortly be directing its attention to our neighbourhood and drugs.'' A Police spokeswoman said the Task Force was tackling drug-dealing, drug abuse and loitering Island-wide and said Spanish Point would be included in its operations.

Mr. Pitman said local concerns -- which mirrored nationwide ones -- had come through loud and clear on his doorstep campaign.

He added: "It is unacceptable to say that our problems with youth violence, drugs and gangs are not as bad as elsewhere. or that these are symptoms of a modern society.'' And Mr. Pitman warned: "We cannot begin thinking about low tolerance -- we must set our sights on no tolerance, hit and hit hard at the root of this cancer.

"Only through prevention at an early stage will we begin the long process of ridding our Island of this social dysfunction.'' Mr. Pitman said several consituents, particularly the elderly, had complaines about youngsters hanging around the Spanish Point bus shelter.

But he told the Monday night meeting that he had already asked the Works and Engineering Department to remove the bench seats from the Spanish Point bus shelter to make it a less attractive hangout.

But he added: "I admit this is no long-term solution. Good policing, tough laws and early prevention are the three keys to solving this menace.'' And Mr. Pitman said he wanted to see a four-pronged attack to beat drugs and crime in Bermuda.

He called for more funding for the Police to get more officers on the streets and for parents to be made responsible for minors involved in drugs and crime.

And Mr. Pitman said the Crown prosecutors should be given the legal tools to convict drug dealers and that crimes against tourists should be hammered, with tougher punishments handed down by the courts.

The Task Force was set up last month to crack down of violent incidents. The 27-strong team is supplemented with officers from the Reserve Police.

So far, the special squad has arrested a total of 96 people for a variety of offences and attended more than 170 incidents over 18 days of mobilisation.

The arrest list includes drugs offences, having offensive weapons and public order offences.

DRUGS DGS