According to the report, the former World championships bronze medallist was tested in Arkansas, USA, and the results showed the use of methamphetamine, one of the many banned substances released by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) at the beginning of the year.

"We have received an official communication from the IAAF pointing out how to deal with this matter," the Bahamas Amateur Athletic Associations chief was quoted as saying to the The Bahama Journal.

The suspension now means that Sands will not be able to defend or improve on his bronze medal performance from the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

"The Commonwealth Games are out but perhaps if we can get all of the matters cleared away, he might still be able to compete in 2006," the BAAA said.

Sands, who holds career bests of 8.13m in the long jump and 17.50m for the triple jump, became the second Bahamian track and field athlete to be suspended in the past four years, after joint 100m record holder Renward Wells was suspended for two years by the Bahamas' Athletic Federation after he tested positive for three banned doping substances in 2002.