Premier Pamela Gordon is at the centre of a security scare, The Royal Gazette understands.

She has reportedly received threats following the launch of Operation Cleansweep, the Police drive against drug dealers.

Now Special Branch is believed to have been alerted.

Reports of threats have filtered to The Royal Gazette from high-level sources, including those in Government.

One source said a threatening note had been placed on the doorstep of Ms Gordon's home in Victoria Street, Hamilton, where she lives with her mother.

It included a threat along the lines of "I will get you'', the source added.

"The note has been handed to Police so they can analyse the hand-writing.

This happened about two weeks ago.'' A man also reportedly made threats outside Ms Gordon's home in the early hours of the morning recently.

Ms Gordon yesterday distanced herself from the reports. She denied she had received anything constituting a death threat.

"Absolutely not. I don't know what you're talking about, I've had no death threats.'' She added: "Bermudians are not like that.'' Police yesterday suggested The Royal Gazette contact Government's coordinator of security services, Martin Law. He could not be reached for comment.

The details of Operation Cleanwseep were announced at a June 9 Press conference attended by Ms Gordon, Police Commissioner Colin Coxall and US Consul General Robert Farmer.

Mr. Farmer yesterday declined to comment on reports he also had received threats linked to the operation.

The threats against Ms Gordon come as she considers moving to an official home, like 10 Downing Street in Britain.

Ms Gordon has been told by Police her house could not be made secure.

She is reportedly against the idea of living in Camden in the Botanical Gardens, which she uses for formal entertainment and receptions.

"I will be renting a place for a couple of months until things are sorted out,'' she said yesterday.

The Special Branch in Bermuda has an international reputation for providing security for many VIPs to the Island.

Although it does not normally provide protection for local dignitaries, it has done so in the past.

After the assassination of Sir Richard Sharples, a special unit from the department was formed. Protection was provided for the Governor, the Premier and the Chief Justice for the next five years. But eventually, it was no longer needed.

Special Branch work with various agencies in charge of securities abroad. The department is closely linked to the Secret Service in America.

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