Shameless adults are encouraging youngsters to become drug couriers, a Government Minister warned yesterday.

Now tough legislation could be brought in to clamp down on those who exploit the young for drug money.

The warning over this latest menace in the war on drugs was sounded by Health and Social Services Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness.

It came as he highlighted startling new evidence on the extent of the problem facing the Island.

Mr. Edness said he had received recent reports of children aged between nine and 16 selling drugs outside Cabinet Office.

"I believe these reports to be true,'' he told MPs during the House of Assembly debate on the Budget estimates of his Ministry.

"This is something which should shock us all.'' Mr. Edness said drug abuse, violence and other anti-social behaviour had reached unprecedented levels in Bermuda.

The community had to rise up against the menace as Government could not fight it alone.

"Parents as well as support agencies need to fight it.'' Mr. Edness told how adults in North America exploited the young for drug profits.

Now there were signs the same practice was surfacing in Bermuda, with children being used as drug couriers.

He suggested legislation might be an answer to the threat.

"We might have to look at the law regarding people who entice children into drugs,'' he said.

Mr. Edness said he was aware of appeal drugs held for many children.

Youngsters believed selling drugs was "something risky and brave'' to do, he added.

But, somehow, the message need ed to be rammed home: Drugs will result in a destroyed life.

Mr. Edness said it was tempting for some people to write off the present generation, and focus on the next one.

That was a dangerous course to take, however, and he warned strongly against it.

"The present generation will be with us for a long time,'' he said.

He added: "The drug menace has continued to plague this Island during 1994/95 and, from all indications drug abuse and addiction continues to increase.

"This Ministry has therefore taken steps to enhance its drug treatment programmes.'' Mr. Edness said these included upgrading the Addiction Services programme.

He pointed out the National Drug Commission had agreed to provide necessary funding.

Measures had also been put in place to make drug treatment accessible to all prison inmates.

Mr. Edness said an increasing number of children were being drawn into criminal and destructive behaviour.

"What is most disturbing is that children appear to be engaging in these activities at a much younger age than we have seen in the past.

"They clearly need special attention and support to facilitate their rehabilitation, improve their self-image and to promote their personal development.

"They should also be given every opportunity to develop to their fullest potential and to grow up to be responsible adults and lead meaningful lives.''