drugs, say local legal experts. See Page 2.

An Under-23 soccer player arrested in the Miami drugs bust faces a heroin charge in Bermuda, The Royal Gazette understands.

He was due to appear in Magistrates' Court on December 6 for allegedly possessing the drug, according to reliable sources.

But the hearing was postponed so he could play in the Pan-Am Games qualifying tournament in Jamaica.

Sources claim the Bermuda Football Association applied pressure to get the case adjourned.

Last night BFA officials were locked in a marathon executive meeting.

Despite repeated attempts throughout the day, The Royal Gazette was unable to get an association official to come to the phone.

The heroin allegation comes amid growing concern in the Country about the drug.

Police have repeatedly warned heroin is making a startling comeback.

Seven Under-23 players were arrested at Miami International Airport last Friday after US Customs found marijuana in their luggage.

They were Donnie Charles, Shawn Riley, Meshach Wade, Herbert Dillas, Kevin Jennings, Keishon Smith and Tokia Russell.

For legal reasons The Royal Gazette has decided not to print the name of the player facing the heroin allegation.

On Tuesday, bail was posted for six of the players who are still being held at a Dade County jail.

A December 30 trial date has been fixed for them.

Their lawyer, Mr. H.T. Smith, president of the National Bar Association, has been attempting to get them placed in the hands of immigration authorities.

The seventh player -- 17-year-old Russell -- is already being held by Immigration.

Mr. Smith said the next step would be for the players to appear before an Immigration judge.

He is hopeful the judge would then allow the seven to return to Bermuda.

Sources yesterday told The Royal Gazette one of the players had been arrested on August 18 for allegedly stealing a motor bike, and possessing heroin.

The drug was said to have been found behind his ear.

He had been released on Police bail and was due to appear at Plea Court on December 6 to be formally charged, it was claimed.

One source said: "He was given permission to represent Bermuda. His case was delayed until he got back.'' Another source claimed pressure from BFA had been put on Government to get the case adjourned.

But a Government spokesman yesterday emphatically denied this.

"Government never interferes with the business of the courts.'' Rumours have also circulated that Bermudian Customs and Police narcotics officers planned to search the soccer squad on its return to the Island.

It was claimed dignitaries planning to welcome the squad back on Bermuda soil were warned an intensive search was likely which would delay the appearance of the players in the Airport arrivals hall.

The absence of dignitaries -- including Sport Minister the Hon. Pamela Gordon and Shadow Sport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown -- was noticeable last Friday night.

Yesterday Ms Gordon was off the Island and unavailable for comment.

Dr. Brown, however, rejected any suggestion he had been warned about a drugs search.

He said he had planned to turn up, but was left stranded in White Hill without transport.

The Miami case has been notable for producing a tidal wave of rumours.

And yesterday US Customs were keen to stamp again on another one.

"All the players were found with marijuana in their luggage. It is not true that the drug was found strapped to anyone's body,'' insisted a spokesman.

He also refuted again the notion Customs had been tipped off.

"There is always conjecture with cases such as these. People say `this is so strange, this is so bizarre, someone must have had information'.

"For them to think like that is not unusual.'' Players told not to talk to the Press Meanwhile, The Royal Gazette can disclose the Under-23 players were directed to sign an agreement with the BFA before taking part in the Pan-Am tournament.

One condition prevented players speaking to the Press, unless they had permission from the technical director of coaching, Mr. Burkhard Ziese, who is expected back in Bermuda this week. Mr. Ziese has been in Jamaica since the end of the qualifying tournament with an ear infection.

Another condition stipulated that players "must be made aware that any international competition that Bermuda participates in is subject to random drug testing by the competition organisers, in accordance with the world's governing sports bodies.

"Hence, any player that is found guilty of misuse of any illicit drug shall be liable for disciplinary action.

"Such misuse of drugs in any form will not be acceptable to the BFA's National Team Programme.'' In the Senate last night the Under-23 team was congratulated for its success on the field, which saw it gain a slot in the Pan-Am finals in Argentina.

Opposition Sen. Neletha Butterfield also congratulated team coach Mr. Mark Trott.

"It was a job well done,'' she said.