army.

And Bermuda Regiment commanding officer Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge said the undercover force could be used to back up Police in the war against drugs.

The new unit -- which would play a similar role to the British Army's elite Special Air Service and the Royal Navy's Special Boat Service -- will be trained in a deep cover observation role.

Lt. Col. Outerbridge said: "We are starting up an observation section which could be used to help Police in cutting drugs crime.'' And that could mean heavily-camouflaged teams with hi-tech equipment working alongside the Police drugs squad to gather evidence and snare drug dealers in undercover sting operations.

A Police spokeswoman yesterday welcomed the Regiment initiative and said top officers would welcome talks on the new unit.

She said: "I'm not sure if we've been officially approached by Lt. Col.

Outerbridge.

"But any such measure which would assist Police would be welcome and we would certainly be interested in exploring this further.

"Any measure which would help to fight crime, especially drugs, is well worth examining.'' The Regiment did once operate a reconnaissance unit but it was disbanded several years ago.

Lt. Col. Outerbridge -- in line with Government thinking -- is preparing the Regiment to take on a bigger role in ensuring the Island's security than it does at present.

He has promised to expand the Regiment boat troop with bigger vessels to back up the Bermuda Police marine section and Customs in the sea-going battle to beat the drug menace.

But -- speaking to Hamilton Lions on Wednesday -- he warned a bigger boat troop would mean extra cash being funnelled into the Regiment.

But he added: "Given the increased capability this will bring, it would be money well spent.'' POLICE POL