Dutch military police at Schiphol airport have arrested seven people on suspicion of drug smuggling, including one of their own number.

The investigation follows a tip-off that cocaine was being smuggled into the Netherlands via the airport, news agency ANP says.

The seven people, who range in age from 27 to 54, were picked up over the past few weeks. Three remain in custody. The report did not say if the military police official who was arrested is among them.

Earlier arrests

Last October, at least seven Schiphol airport workers were arrested for smuggling cocaine into the Netherlands from central and South America. They are alleged to have removed the cocaine which had been hidden in aircraft and shipped it onwards.

In 2012, 20 people were arrested at Schiphol airport as part of a six-month investigation into a drug smuggling ring. A number of them worked in the baggage handling department.

And in July 2013, three workers were arrested for stealing smartphones and other expensive items during passenger security checks.

The airport employs some 60,000 people.