Thirteen people, including at least three over the age of 50, were arrested at the airport on Wednesday night after Police and Customs officers discovered an unspecified amount of drugs coming off a charter flight to Jamaica.

Police said they could not specify what the drugs were or their likely street value because they were still being analysed, but confirmed they were primarily “plant material”, suggesting the drugs were cannabis.

Authorities searched every one of the 176 passengers off last night's Planet Airways charter flight from Jamaica, delaying passengers by up to three hours. The flight originally left Bermuda on December 16.

When asked about concerns that the Police were profiling people off that flight because of where it had been, Police Insp. James Howard said officials relied on past methods and history, as well as intelligence from many different sources. That information and intelligence was then acted upon.

“This charter is from an unfortunately high-risk area,” senior Customs officer Colin Smith added. “This is not the first time these types of measures have been taken for that flight.”

Charges against the 13 arrested include suspicion of drug importation, obstruction of Police officers, warrants, and assault, Insp. Howard said. Seven males were arrested (four for drugs), and six females (five for drugs). Of the women arrested for drugs, one was 50 and another was 55.

One man and two womenwere arrested for assaults, . One of the women was aged 56.

Principal Customs officer William R. Pearman was asked if he was surprised at the ages of those arrested. “Personally, yes,” he replied.

The altercation took place when one passenger became upset with the wait, Insp. Howard said. Police information said that passenger may have pushed a Police officer and the dispute escalated, however it was quickly stopped.

Police and Customs officials did bring in resources to deal with the expected delays, Mr. Pearman said.

With Government analysts still examining the quantity of drugs seized, Insp. Howard said he was in no position to give any information regarding type, quantity or street value. He did confirm the suspected drugs were some kind of plant material.

Investigations continue into the matter, and some of those arrested could appear in the courts in the near future, he said.