Prison chiefs are preparing to launch a major investigation into drug smuggling behind bars -- after Bermuda's top judge demanded action.

Chief Justice Austin Ward has called on senior prison officials to investigate claims that crack cocaine is on sale inside Westgate Correctional Facility.

And Prisons Commissioner Edward Dyer said he would order an internal inquiry if he was presented with "strong evidence''.

Lawyer Kim Wilson yesterday told the Supreme Court her client, a crack addict, was introduced to the drug while serving time at the prison.

Chief Justice Ward gave defendant Dwayne Robert Young, who is terminally ill, a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for a series of cheque frauds worth $2,600.

The judge also asked Miss Wilson to file a report to prison chiefs so the drugs inquiry could begin.

He told the court: "We cannot have drugs being made available in the prisons.

"If, in fact, the defendant has evidence of that, a report should be made because nobody should be allowed to do that.

"If somebody is introducing drugs to Westgate then that problem must be dealt with.

"We can't have people doing their best to rehabilitate prisoners when drugs are then being made available.'' Turning to Miss Wilson, he added: "You should make a formal report to the authorities so a formal investigation can be carried out.'' Mr. Dyer said he would wait to hear from the lawyer before deciding to introduce an internal drugs investigation.

He told The Royal Gazette : "I have heard similar statements made about drugs on a number of occasions and on occasions we do pick up drugs in prisons.

"Whether or not an individual became a cocaine addict in jail, I cannot say.

"But I will wait to hear the evidence and act accordingly. If there is some good information, we will start a full inquiry immediately.'' Miss Wilson told the judge 33-year-old Young, of Warwick, had been trying to rebuild his life with a drugs rehab course while on remand at the jail.

She said the future was "now looking bright'' for him -- even though he had contracted a terminal disease from a former girlfriend.

Prosecutor Ms Charlene Scott told the court Young had a long history of previous convictions for thefts and forging cheques.

Drugs `in prison' And Chief Justice Ward handed Young seven two-and-a-half year sentences -- to run concurrently -- after he pleaded guilty to breaking and entering, theft, false writing of cheques, uttering and false pretences.

Young, who addressed the court before sentence was passed, said he was trying to help other drug addicts in the jail.

He said his crime habits were feeding his addiction -- but he wanted to kick the drugs habit.

He told the judge: "Before anyone can be a role model to anyone else, they must be a role model to themselves.

"I have tried very hard during my incarceration to pinpoint to the proper authorities information on the sale of drugs in prison.

"I am sorry for the offences I have caused and I need help, sir. I'm willing to thrust myself into any programme that's available.'' DRUGS DGS