A port could become a "green channel" for smugglers if the number of customs officers at Newhaven is halved, it was claimed today.

Proposals have been put forward to reduce the number of officers at the port from 26 to 13.

In 1987 the Newhaven office, which covers the coast from Portsmouth Harbour to Pevensey Bay, had some 100 officers.

Nationally 1,200 Customs posts are being cut before 2002 and it is thought the Newhaven officers will be moved to Gatwick Airport.

There are fears the job losses will make it impossible to control the smuggling of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes into Newhaven.

Local Lib Dem MP Norman Baker condemned the proposed cuts, claiming they would leave the coast virtually defenceless.

He said: "These deep cuts will leave just 13 officers responsible for a 24-hour operation to prevent smuggling across a vast swathe of the South Coast.

"The Government is creating a permanent green channel for smugglers."

Mr Baker was also worried about the local economy. He said: "This smuggled alcohol is undermining local pubs, brewers, wholesalers and retailers."

Roy Haria, owner of Roy's Liquor Store in Newhaven Square, said: "The more alcohol and cigarettes people are able to bring in to Newhaven, the more trade I will lose."