offensive against the scourge, it was announced yesterday.

Each force will be responsible for key areas of the campaign.

These are likely to include pressing for alternative sentencing for drug offenders, such as community service.

A coordinated treatment system -- including medical insurance -- is on the cards as well.

The campaign, which will take on board ideas from the public, has been launched by the interim steering committee of the National Drug Strategy.

The 24-member committee was appointed by Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan after consultation with the other two main parties.

Yesterday the committee met for the first time at Bermuda College's Stonington Campus to hold a two-day meeting to lay the campaign's groundwork.

At a press conference chairman Mr. Alastair Macdonald, a private banker, said: "The drug and alcohol problems in Bermuda surpass political consideration and it is gratifying to have the support of all three political parties.

"Together they have selected an excellent committee which I am proud to be part of. Together I believe that we can make significant progress in dealing with the country's drug and alcohol problems.'' Mr. Macdonald said the committee, including six ex officio members, reflected the social spectrum of Bermuda.

It included recovering addicts who could provide invaluable insight, he added.

Other ex officio members are Police Commissioner Mr. Lennett Edwards and Prison Psychologist Dr. Derrick Binns.

"I hope that the people of Bermuda will see this as their committee and will contact members with suggestions and ideas,'' Mr. Macdonald said.

"We in turn will be reaching out to involve all sections of our community, for alcohol and drug abuse is a problem that can only be solved with the active support of everyone.'' Afterwards, Mr. Macdonald told The Royal Gazette the campaign's twin aims were treatment and prevention.

"We want to create the opportunity for drug addicts to be treated, and also set up a social immunity programme to prevent individuals from getting into drugs.'' Mr. Macdonald said he was confident the campaign could succeed, although it would be a long haul.

"I am the eternal optimist, and I am really excited about what we are doing.

It is going to be a big struggle, which will take years, rather than months.

We will certainly not be a talking shop.

"Today we have been meeting to get to know each other and exchange ideas. I have been greatly encouraged by the way we are getting on. We are already beginning to gel as a group.'' Mr. Macdonald said a priority list of issues would be drawn up, which is likely to include alternative sentences for drug users and medical insurance to cover treatment.

"A coordinated treatment system is also something which has been talked about,'' he added.

Task forces would then be assigned to carry responsibility for each issue, and then report back to the interim committee.

"The committee will act as the umbrella for all these forces,'' explained Mr.

Macdonald.

He added: "What we want to do is to branch out, and get public input. We will really be a catalyst for people's ideas. At a later stage individuals with particular expertise will also be co-opted on to the committee.''