allegations the ill-fated Chinese freighter Xing Da may have been carrying illegal drugs in addition to its human cargo.

Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness said yesterday: "Apparently one of the persons that was being questioned by the DEA -- a crew member I think -- indicated there were drugs hidden in the hold of the ship.

"The indication was a substantial amount of drugs were hidden and the drugs were supposed to pay for all the people who were being taken to the US.

"Because this is an ongoing case in the US, the Americans called up and asked if they could come down for a look. We said by all means.'' The Minister was unable to say if any drugs were discovered.

Members of the Bermuda Sub Aqua Club -- who are cleaning the rusting freighter in preparation for its sinking as a dive attraction and artificial reef -- last night told The Royal Gazette the Americans boarded the Xing Da along side Marginal Wharf last week and drilled a number of holes throughout the ship.

POLICE POL DRUGS DGS