The Ministry of Finance confirmed yesterday that Customs officers were told not to search packages sent to Premier Ewart Brown without his presence.

A Press release issued by the Ministry, which is responsible for Bermuda Customs, said that all packages could still be searched.

The release said: "In a response to recent news stories concerning Customs Procedures for dealing with mail consigned to the Premier, the Collector of Customs made clear that all mail and express consignments imported into Bermuda are subject to customs inspections.

"Within these broad customs powers to search mail and other imports, Customs Officers were directed to follow a protocol that should they select for inspection any official mail addressed to the Premier, they will not open that mail except in the presence of the Premier or his representative. Similar protocols exist for diplomats stationed in Bermuda."

Last week several customs sources, none of whom could be named, told The Royal Gazette that Dr. Brown told Customs Officers in a meeting that he "doesn't appreciate" having his packages searched.

They also said that packages sent to Ministers and other public figures are often searched because criminals have used their names and addresses to try and bring illegal drugs to the Island.

Three former Premiers, Alex Scott, David Saul and Sir David Gibbons, all said that packages addressed to them were regularly searched by customs during their time in office.

Mr. Scott said: "I never requested or received special courtesy. I wouldn't like it to be thought that all Premiers requested that. I certainly didn't."