and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness.

Mr. Edness described Customs as the "first line of defence'' in the Island's battle against drugs.

Apologising for inconvenience to visitors who are stopped by officials, he said he preferred that to the sight of a young boy after a heroin injection.

The Minister was replying to Shadow Health Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome who said two of his friends were recently detained at the Airport "for hours'' while they were checked by Customs.

"I was at a birthday party when I met these two overseas visitors,'' said Mr.

Bascome. "One was from Canada, the other from Europe. One was detained for five hours and subjected to a body search and the other was subjected to a cavity search.'' One of the visitors was X-rayed and questioned again later by Police, he said.

Mr. Bascome said that one of the visitors was considering bringing business into the Island, while the other was a return visitor who was now discouraged from visiting again.

He questioned the approach of Customs and their training, which he believed was carried out in the United Kingdom.

The PLP MP added: "What kind of impression are we giving if we are treating visitors like this?'' Mr. Edness replied: "I have concerns about people being searched in this way but I also have concerns about drugs in this country.

"When you are called out to a family and see a young boy stretched out on the kitchen floor as a result of a heroin injection, you should be concerned.

"I agree that people should not be mistreated, but the Police and Customs officers are the first line of defence against drugs in this country. Everyone can have a bad day and not be as amiable as usual.

"I am worried that if we stamp on Customs and Police in this particular area, and they lose interest when they are criticised for simply doing their jobs, it could make Customs vulnerable to drug importers.

"Most officers are doing a sterling job against drugs coming into the country. I hope society does not think of them in a negative way.'' But he apologised for any inconvenience to Mr. Bascome's friends.