Two big guns in the war against drugs yesterday pledged a joint assault on the problem.

And National Drug Commission chairman Malcolm Butterfield said the new deal between the NDC and the Council Partners' Charitable Trust (CPCT) would improve the battle against the drugs menace.

He admitted: "To be frank many have been concerned that these two agencies have not worked as cooperatively as the drugs issues require.

"Although there are projects which we have undertaken jointly, there lingers a perception that all is not well.'' But he added: "We cannot allow Bermuda's efforts to fight the scourge of drug abuse to be divided.

"All Bermuda must work together if we are to make a positive difference in the lives of Bermudians and other residents. In particular, the two leading agencies must work together.'' The announcement yesterday came after weekend claims that the NDC was failing in its remit to provide the lead in the drugs war.

The claims came after the sacking of NDC treatment coordinator Lynda Price -- said to be part of an in-fighting problem which has dogged the work of the NDC over a decade.

Mr. Butterfield insisted the timing of the press conference had nothing to do with the controversy over Dr. Price's sacking.

He said: "If you look at the substance of the press conference, that's not something I pulled together over a period of two or three days.

"It was my plan to do this within this time frame -- without regard to anything else.'' But Mr. Butterfield admitted: "A strong, coordinated effort is required for Bermuda to overcome the ills associated with alcohol and drug abuse.

"This agreement strengthens the effort and positions Bermuda well for eventual success in this fight.'' Mr. Butterfield said the NDC was "the national leader'' in the Island's battle against drug abuse, while the CPCT raised cash to distribute to its member bodies.

He added: "Each organisation requires the other to be successful in order for it to be successful.

"For example, the NDC requires strong, effective agencies in order for its strategy to be implemented.

"The CPCT requires a strong, effective NDC, with a clear focussed strategy for its agencies to meet the needs of Bermuda.

Mr. Butterfield said the NDC would set national strategy, while the other organisations would carry out the work.

He added that national policy would draw up policies in consultation with other bodies, while it continued to have full responsibility to evaluate and accredit individual programmes.

And Mr. Butterfield said that the CPCT would continue fund-raising work -- while the NDC would steer clear of looking for private sector cash.

He added: "The NDC and CPCT will jointly fund and administer a pool of funds dedicated to public education and public awareness on all aspects of substance abuse.'' CPCT chairman Brian Duperreault welcomed the announcement and said his group's governing body backed the new deal.

And he said: "We will see other areas where we can use our combined facilities to produce the desired effect.''