A total of 19 Britons have been arrested at an airport in Jamaica for allegedly trying to smuggle marijuana worth �200,000 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 London Gatwick and Manchester at Montego Bay airport.

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

It is claimed nearly 800kg of marijuana was found in the group's luggage when they were stopped on Tuesday.

Drug dogs

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 and each suitcase is said to have held up to 27 packages.

If convicted the Britons face several years in jail.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are especially concerned about the children involved.

"They are currently in the care of the Jamaican authorities.

"We are locating their next of kin and making arrangements for them to be returned as soon as possible."