The Cuban authorities say they have arrested eighteen foreign nationals, including seven Canadians, on suspicion of drug trafficking.

Officials said police had seized more than fifty kilograms of cocaine and a kilogram of hashish over an eleven-day period this month.

Among the seizures was the biggest haul ever discovered at a Cuban airport -- nearly forty kilograms of cocaine hidden in plastic handers and suitcases.

Officials said the drugs had come from Jamaica and were en route to Britain.

One of the three women among the Canadians has been sent home because she was pregnant.