19 BRITONS HELD AFTER DRUGS FIND IN JAMAICA

Nineteen Britons have been arrested at an airport in Jamaica allegedly
trying to smuggle nearly 800kg (1,800lbs) of marijuana back to the UK
on a charter flight.

The group, including eight women, were stopped as they tried to board
an Air 2000 flight to Gatwick and Manchester at Montego Bay.

Several children were with the group and were taken into care by the
Jamaican authorities as their mothers and fathers, who are all from
London, were questioned.

The drugs recovered were worth an estimated UKP200,000 and were
allegedly found in the group's luggage when they were stopped two days
ago. They have now been charged with possession and attempted
trafficking.

Drug dogs found the marijuana in 37 suitcases which are alleged to
have been checked in by the group. If convicted, the Britons face
several years in jail.

Last night, a Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "Consular staff are on
the ground to ensure they receive full assistance. We are especially
concerned about the children involved. We are locating their next of
kin."