Top cricketer Dean Minors, left, has been suspended on full pay from his teaching post at a Government school following a Police investigation into drug importation.

The 31-year-old, from St. George's, was temporarily released from his job at CedarBridge Academy last week, where he taught physical education.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education would not comment on the Minors' case specifically, but said, in general terms, it was usual in circumstances like this for the teacher to be suspended.

The spokeswoman said: "The normal procedure is that if someone is arrested, they are suspended on full pay.

"If they are charged and then found guilty, they will be dismissed. If they are found not guilty or acquitted, they will be re-instated.'' There was shock in the cricketing world after wicketkeeper Mr. Minors was arrested on suspicion of importing marijuana.

He was arrested at Bermuda International Airport after arriving on New Year's night on a flight from Orlando, Florida.

He was at first held at Hamilton Police Station, but then released on Police bail pending further enquiries.

The Police have refused to confirm that it was Minors, but several Police sources identified the man as the cricket star.

Mr. Minors has a clean-cut image both on and off the cricket field.

He was the coach and vice-captain of the St. George's Cricket Club in last year's Cup Match, and was a talented soccer player.

As well as working at CedarBridge Academy he also organised summer sports camps in the old town.

School Principal Kalmar Richards has refused to comment on the matter.

However, members of the sporting community reacted with shock and bewilderment at the news of his arrest, and said they would always have respect for him until if and when the suspicions were found to be true.

No caption DRUGS DGS