in clearing up neighbourhood drug problems.

Two years ago he launched a personal campaign in Ord Road, Warwick against drug pushers who were openly dealing narcotics next to a primary school.

He became so outspoken that he received death threats from those at the heart of the illegal dealing.

But he refused to be beaten and eventually won his long battle by persevering and continually hammering on the door of the Police and CrimeStoppers.

As the owner of Lines Food and Liquor Store in Ord Road, every day he saw dozens of people buy drugs outside his shop.

Gangs would gather, hiding their drugs in trash nearby.

And many of his customers were people buying drugs who just used his store as a cover for their illicit deals.

But Mr. Powell continually informed Police officers and badgered the dealers themselves.

And after stirring up enough publicity through the press, he received the backing of neighbours in the community and eventually managed to rid the street of dealing.

Mr. Powell said: "If one person stands up and screams, people don't listen.

But if 100 people stand up and scream, everybody listens.

"Drugs are a neighbourhood problem. If people in the neighbourhoods don't deal with it, who will? "If people think drugs are being sold near their homes they should call the Police or CrimeStoppers.

"The problem is so big, they cannot deal with it on their own. It is up to us to let the dealers know they are being watched so they are afraid to deal at their usual location again. They will be forced to move.'' Mr. Powell and his neighbours did manage to clean up their area and it is still relatively drug-free.

But he warned that unless residents stayed vigilant, the problem would return.

"The only reason we were successful in getting rid of the dealers was because the community got involved,'' he added. "But we have to continue to be involved. It is no good us sitting back now.

"I urge people not to close their ears to the problem, which is a Bermuda problem. They should do something -- even if it is just making one call.'' DRUGS DGS