THE Guernsey Press is helping to deter drug couriers from coming to the island. Reports of cases heard in the island’s courts have been sent to newspapers and radio stations in the area where a convicted person lived or was brought up in a bid to deter others.

Customs has received an encouraging response to the campaign, which was launched in October 2002.

‘This is a great example of how the media and the Home Department can work together for the good of the community,’ said Home minister Mike Torode. ‘It is an important weapon in our war on drugs.’

The campaign is managed by White Knight Public Relations. Its aim is to get across the message of tough sentencing and the high likelihood of getting caught to put off potential drug runners.

To date the campaign has targeted the media in Southampton, Weymouth, Liverpool, Basildon, Harlow, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, Sydenham, Blackpool, Gwent, Hull, Walsall and London using material supplied by the Guernsey Press.

‘In the past we have had an effective poster campaign at harbours and airports publicising our tough sentencing policy. The PR campaign takes this further,’ said Customs chief officer Rob Prow.

‘Ultimately the purpose is to reduce the quantity of illegal drugs being brought into the islands and to secure the convictions of those involved.’

Guernsey Press editor Richard Digard was pleased the newspaper was able to help.

‘The courts here have a tough sentencing policy and placing our coverage of that in regional UK papers has a strong deterrent effect on those who would otherwise see coming to Guernsey with drugs as a soft option,’ he said.

The service’s campaign was short-listed for a CIM Public Relations Award.

* Customs also has a free and confidential Drugline, 0800 318318, which Mr Prow said had been an effective way of gathering intelligence.