Passports confiscated from group of young people apprehended at Montreal Trudeau international airport and charges may result, say Mounties

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Canadian police have revealed they arrested 10 young people at Montreal’s Trudeau international airport last weekend on suspicion of wanting to go to Iraq and Syria to join Islamic State.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement late on Tuesday night that no charges had yet been brought but the investigation was continuing. All 10 involved had their passports confiscated.

The RCMP said it was unable to disclose the identity of those arrested or any information about what led to their arrest because charges had not been brought.

“We can say, however, that the families and friends of the young persons have been met by investigators,” the RCMP statement said.

Police asked the media to respect the privacy of the family members.

“These are very difficult times for the relatives and loved ones of the persons arrested, as the decision to leave the country was not that of the family, but of a single family member. As a result family members often find themselves at a complete loss and unable to understand the decision made by the youth,” police said.

Canada’s anti-terror unit within the RCMP, Quebec provincial police and the Montreal police took part in the operation.

Steven Blaney, Canada’s public safety minister, declined to comment on operational matters but commended police for their “continued vigilance in keeping our streets and communities safe from the ongoing global terror threat”.