drug testing of public employees.

The United Bermuda Party expressed outrage last month when it emerged that Customs officers would not be subjected to the tests because they were not considered to be in "safety sensitive'' positions.

Last night, Collector of Customs Bill Ledrew told The Royal Gazette he expected his staff would be included in the testing programme, which is set to be introduced next month.

He said he had had a meeting with staff and received a positive feedback from unions.

Two Customs officers and three airport workers have been arrested recently and charged with involvement in the supply of drugs.

It is hoped that subjecting Customs officers -- who are in the front line of the fight against drugs -- to testing will help restore the service's tarnished reputation.

Mr. Ledrew said: "We are actively reviewing it and talking to the union about it and I expect we will have something on it in the very near future.

"My view is that we should be and I think that view is generally shared amongst the staff and in the department. The union is positive to the idea that Customs should be safety sensitive. We're talking to staff and I think we'll have it.'' Random drug and alcohol testing is to be introduced to Government employees considered to be in a safety sensitive position. Among those included are: Police, fire and prison staff, bus and ferry drivers.

DRUGS DGS