Government has been berated for a lack of action in closing crack houses.

More than a year ago Government pledged to close down 17 crack houses across the Island, but to date it is believed that only six have been closed — three of which were not on the original list.

Shadow Minister of Public Safety, Michael Dunkley, said: “It seems to be all talk and no action to make the community believe they are doing something about the issue. It’s disappointing that they are taking that tack.

“If you read between the lines you can see they are scared to tackle the problem. They say the right thing but do not seem to be doing it.

“Meanwhile drug dealers are taking over more and more of Bermuda.”

In November last year Attorney General Philip Perinchief said six crack houses had been closed but due to legal issues closing down others was more problematic than they had initially thought.

An existing Housing Act enabled the Government to close down crack homes that were derelict or vacant, but drug dealing operations in ordinary homes did not come under the act and could not be closed.

It is not known what has happened since November and requests from The Royal Gazette to Government for information have not been answered — more than a month after the requests were submitted and more than a week since we highlighted the issue.

Five written requests since the beginning of January to Mr. Perinchief have not been answered. He was asked if new legislation was being drawn up to enable crack houses to be closed.

Mr. Dunkley said the Government’s explanation was smoke and mirrors.

He said: “How can there be legal issues in stopping people dealing drugs in a home.

“Drugs are illegal aren’t they? These are just excuses.”

He said the first step Government should take was to beef up the Police force in order to get more officers patrolling the streets of Bermuda.

This would enable them to establish a better relationship with the community, which in turn would lead to more tip-offs and people coming forward as witnesses.

He added that the Police force also needed to be equipped with the best technology as the amount of money in the drug trade meant dealers were becoming more and more hi-tech. I

n particular he said surveillance equipment was sorely needed.

The parole system should be tougher so that drug traffickers are not given parole.

Instead they should be forced to serve the maximum sentence, he said.

He added: “This is a major problem for Bermuda and drug use runs rampant through the whole community. If we continue down this path the community will be ruined.

“Everyone from politicians to the Police know where these houses are and its manifested itself into growing violence on the Island.

“It is inexcusable that the Government are allowing this to happen.”