A new high-speed Police boat was officially blessed yesterday before she goes out to help dry up the flow of drugs into Bermuda.

The boat, handed over by the New Jersey division of the Drug Enforcement Agency, arrived in Bermuda a few weeks ago.

But yesterday Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, Governor Lord Waddington, Premier David Saul and US Consul General Robert Farmer were on hand to witness the boat's blessing by Canon James Francis.

"This boat will be used for off-shore rescue and also for the purpose of drug interdiction,'' said Mr. Coxall.

"Our officers will be able to use this craft safely off-shore and it will add a considerable capability to the Police Marine section,'' said the Commissioner.

The boat, the New Blue Heron , was originally seized from drug traffickers and was used in operations by the DEA's New Jersey division.

It was through contacts with former Scotland Yard colleague, John Coleman who is now Special Agent in charge of the DEA New Jersey division, that Mr. Coxall was able to help negotiate bringing the boat to Bermuda.

Mr. Coleman said yesterday: "These things do not happen without the cooperation of quite a few people. We work closely with Bermuda in terms of drug interdiction and this will help us as well.'' At the ceremony Lord Waddington stressed it was an important occasion for Bermuda saying the boat would be a "most invaluable resource''.

"I think we should be extremely grateful for the generosity of the US Government,'' added the Governor.

Mr. Farmer said: "I have toured the boat and I was very impressed with both the boat and the crew.

"This ceremony is a reflection of the warm relationship that exists between the US and Bermuda.''