A FATHER and son from East Lancashire have been arrested in South America for alleged drugs trafficking offences.

James Thomas, 56, and his son Lee, 23, both from Rawtenstall, were arrested in Ecuador last week as part of a local police operation.

The pair, who are thought to have flown to Mexico from the UK last month, have been detained in jail in the city of Quito since their arrest on Wednesday, April 28.

Pasquale Lamanno, a Foreign Office spokesman, said that relatives living in the Rossendale area had been informed of their arrest.

He added: "I can confirm that two British males are now being detained after being arrested last week.

"Next of kin have been informed of their arrests and the British Consulate in Ecuador have visited the two in jail.

"They would have provided them with a list of English speaking lawyers to represent them.

"Neither have been charged by the local authorities and they are still helping with inquiries.

'We have no information about what kind of operation they are alleged to be involved in. We just know they were arrested by Ecuador police as part of a local drugs operation.

"It's too early to say whether they will be extradited or even charged. We are speaking to the British Consulate regularly for more information."

A family friend said today: "It has shocked us all because we knew absolutely nothing about it. As far as we were aware Jimmy and Lee were going to see Jimmy's mother in Canada.

"This happened about a week ago now and they still haven't charged them. It makes you wonder what on earth is going on out there. All we can do now is hope and pray that they are all right."