The Policeman suspended from duty on Sunday for allegedly smoking cannabis was reportedly banned in November for a similar offence.

And last night a Police spokeswoman confirmed that a zero tolerance policy towards drugs within the service could be in the pipeline.

Now a motorcycle patrol officer, the Policeman was given a short suspension after he tested positive for drugs in a sports related incident, sources say.

In November's incident he was not caught with drugs, charged or arrested but was "relieved of his responsibilities''.

One source said the officer was sent to the motorcycle squad "where he would not get into trouble'' after failing a Bermuda Football Association test.

Despite this, Police were called to investigate reports that the officer was smoking the drug as he sat watching a soccer game at White Hill Field, Sandys in a private car on Sunday.

Witnesses said the uniformed officer climbed off his patrol bike and got into a private car when he was spotted allegedly smoking cannabis.

It was decided to immediately suspend him from duty until an investigation is completed into the alleged incident.

On Monday, a Police spokeswoman confirmed the officer had been taken to Somerset Police Station but denied he had been arrested.

It is understood that the allegation at the soccer match was considered so serious by senior officers the man was immediately suspended with pay.

When questioned by The Royal Gazette last night, the spokeswoman said of the new information: "Police are still not in a position to make any further comments on the officer involved in the incident at White Hill Field on Sunday.

"In a broader sense, however, it should be noted that while there is a drugs in sport policy, a drug policy specifically for government employees, including Police, has yet to be formalised.

"At present Government is leaning toward a more rehabilitative approach which involves counselling. Police believe that, obviously with the nature of their work, a separate more strict policy, may be required for our purposes such as zero tolerance.

"That is presently being explored with input being sought from the Bermuda Police Association,'' she said.

"Certainly it is something that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later and the Commissioner (Jean-Jacques Lemay) is making every effort to do so.'' Shadow minister for Home Affairs Michael Dunkley after pointing out he was only speaking after hearing media reports, said last night: "At first blush, I think this whole matter needs to be reviewed.

"We in the United Bermuda Party are quite concerned when we have this scourge of crime and drugs and we have customs officers and now a Police officer who have been allegedly violating the law.'' Cop had already failed test Mr. Dunkley said it was "very important'' for the Commissioner and the Minister, Paula Cox to "explain what is going on'' and what disciplinary measures have been taken.

Mr. Dunkley continued: "We are very concerned with the perceived stance of the government.

"When people break the law, they have to be subject to the full penalty of the law once it's proven,'' he said. "The full force of the law means a punitive sentence.

"If Government is going to change from punitive sentences to rehabilitation then that is very concerning to the UBP.''