An initiative where newspaper court stories involving smugglers are passed on to other regional press outlets in a bid to stem the tide of crime is being hailed a success.

The Guernsey Press and Star is doing its bit by sending island court copy to mainland media outlets - thanks to co-operation from customs officers who are telling reporters where the defendants are from.

Customs and Excise wants to deter would-be smugglers from bringing drugs to Guernsey. The press reports let people know about Guernsey's strict sentencing policy on drug trafficking.

Deputy chief customs officer Rob Prow said: "We are aware that it's been a success because we know that both radio stations and newspapers have used the information with some prominence.

"It's taken a while to organise, but I think it's been very worthwhile. The courts are doing a job in sentencing on a deterrent basis and that's being published in the right places.

"I appreciate the Guernsey Press's support. The editor, Richard Digard, has allowed its stories to be passed on."

The idea has been so successful it has also been adopted in Jersey. The value of drugs seized by Jersey Customs has increased significantly, with consignments exceeding the £2m mark every year since 2001.

Of the 86 commercial imports discovered in 2003, only seven were attempted by Jersey residents.

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