A woman claims she was subjected to a harrowing seven-hour ordeal by Police and Customs after flying to Bermuda on her wedding anniversary.

Eva Salla -- a Hare Krishna missionary from Australia -- alleges she was harassed, abused, stripped and handcuffed during a drugs search.

Her passport and airline ticket were also seized even though no drugs were found, she said.

Now she and her husband Simon -- also a member of the Hare Krishna movement -- have threatened legal action. They said taking drugs or alcohol was against their religion.

"As a tourist on my anniversary I am shocked and appalled by what has happened. On top of that I cannot even leave,'' Mrs. Salla told The Royal Gazette .

"This was my first, and last, visit to Bermuda. I certainly won't be returning.'' Yesterday Collector of Customs Gerry Ardis said: "My officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. That's all I can say.'' Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said Mrs. Salla had been told how to file a complaint.

"The Police and Customs have procedures for dealing with a person arriving at the Airport.

"If she is not happy with the way she was treated there is a complaints procedure which she is entitled to utilise.'' The incident occurred at the Airport on Wednesday after Mrs. Salla, who wears a sari, arrived in Bermuda from Newark at 12.50 p.m.

She and her husband -- who had come to Bermuda three days earlier -- were celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary and had been travelling around the world since leaving their Sydney home before Christmas.

Mrs. Salla has written to Tourism Director Gary Phillips, outlining her complaint.

In her letter, she said problems started when she failed to complete her Immigration form -- because she did not know where she would be staying.

"My husband had arranged our accommodation and was meeting me at the Airport.

The Immigration officer was annoyed that I hadn't filled out my form fully and that I didn't know where I was staying.

"His annoyance made no sense, so I asked to see a supervisor. Eventually a supervisor authorised my entry into Bermuda.'' Mrs. Salla admitted she got involved in heated exchanges with a Customs lady who searched her bags.

"It was obvious she was out to get me so I asked again to see the supervisor who wouldn't give me any names or badge numbers so I could pursue my complaints.

"Speaking to the supervisor, I had my back to the Customs' lady who was demanding I turn around to watch her unpack. I could see what she was doing but was speaking to the supervisor so I couldn't turn around.

"At that point I was dragged away quite brutally for apparently obstructing the search.

"Apparently I was under arrest but not informed of this, nor advised of my rights. I was not able to see my husband, go to the lavatory, have some water or anything. I was threatened, intimidated and told I would be deported.'' Mrs. Salla said she was told to stand naked from the waist down and crouch over. "I refused, saying I would only do this in front of a doctor.'' Mrs. Salla said she agreed to undergo a hospital examination, but was forced to strip off before going.

She added she was then handcuffed and taken to hospital where an internal examination and X-rays proved she was drug-free.

Mrs. Salla said drugs squad officers took her to the Police station.

"It's not clear whether I have to appear in court or just pay a $500 fine for obstruction,'' she said.

Mr. Phillips said he had spoken to Mrs. Salla several times and suggested she contact Police Commissioner Colin Coxall and Mr. Ardis.

He added he had offered to help her in any way he could.

Mrs. Salla's problems appear far from over. For she now faces the prospect of a possible court appearance over Wednesday's incident.

A Police spokesman said he understood charges had not yet been made against Mrs. Salla.

She had, however, apparently been bailed to reappear before Police, he added.

SEARCHED -- Eve Salla, who was searched for seven hours by Police and Customs.