A Customs officer is due to appear in court on charges of conspiracy to import drugs, it emerged yesterday.

And another two officers have resigned following accusations that they shared confidential information with members of the public.

Speaking at a press conference on measures to stop drugs coming into Bermuda, Finance Minister Paula Cox said an officer arrested in July is due to appear in court next month. The officer is currently on Police bail.

The Minister added: "Further, two case files were prepared in June concerning Customs officers disclosing confidential information to the public.

"One officer disclosed information regarding a targeted container; the other officer divulged information concerning a passenger's arrival.

"The charges were read to the officers and they were advised that the recommendation would be for dismissal. Both officers resigned their positions."

Police did not respond to questions about the arrested Customs officer by press time yesterday.

Ms Cox used the incidents as evidence that claims of illegal activity by officers are investigated.

"From time to time, allegations are made about Customs officers being involved in aiding and abetting illegal activity," said Ms Cox. "Such allegations are taken seriously."

According to Ms Cox, HM Customs has already made 90 drug seizures this year, with more than 100 seizures made every year for the last three years.

The Deputy Premier said new scanning equipment capable of detecting items between a person's skin and their outer layer of clothing is now being used on persons travelling through LF Wade International Airport.

She also revealed that a specialised X-ray unit designed to search containers is expected to arrive before the end of the month, and will be used to search far more containers.

The technology will bring Bermuda in line with other countries the US will soon require countries to X-ray all containers prior to their departure for America.

Ms Cox's comments came in the wake of a series of firearms incidents reported throughout the Island. Some in the community have criticised Bermuda Customs for letting the weaponry through.

UBP Senator Michael Dunkley told ZBM News this week he could not recall the last time a container attached to his business, Dunkley's Dairy, had been searched.

Ms Cox said a Dunkley's Dairy container was searched on August 27. But, she admitted, time and manpower constraints make it impractical to search every container that enters the Island.

She added that 182 containers were searched in 2008.

"I think there is a general concern," she said. "And while there is a legitimate concern, we don't want to spark a panic with misinformation."

"No matter how good or effective our officers are, it doesn't mean there won't be some slippage. Part of safeguarding our borders is making sure you have the right technology and procedures in place. We are letting the public know there is already robust equipment in place, and more is on the way."

The Minister also commended the work of Customs officials, saying: "The staff at HM Customs are defending Bermuda's borders with a heartfelt passion for their Country. They are often criticised for their actions, but their task is not an easy one."