A stash of class A drugs which would deal “a significant blow to the criminal networks involved” has been discovered on the south coast of England. A fisherman discovered the first batch of drugs, which are believed to be cocaine, on October 2. Further supplies were later discovered washed up on the Isle of Wight, before holdalls were located in Dorset. An investigation led by the National Crime Agency (NCA) is ongoing. The agency has said it believed the drugs to have come from South America.
The packages that have been found so far are being tested to determine their contents, as well as their estimated value and quantity. The search for the missing drugs is being supported by the Border Force and Hampshire Police. Senior Investigating Officer with the NCA, Tracey Lake, said the discovery was a “significant amount of class A drugs”. A loss of this size, according to Lake, would mean “a significant hit to the criminal networks involved”.
Isle of Wight Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Murray said that a group of litter pickers had also found some of the packages. The search for the missing drugs is on-going, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight police have urged anyone who finds suspicious bags or packages on the coast to report them immediately. In addition, the NCA has urged those who discover holdalls or similar packages under suspect circumstances to get in touch.
People are being asked to be cautious of suspicious bags or people following the discovery of such a significant haul of illegal drugs. The search for the missing packages is a matter of public safety as the drugs pose a serious risk to anyone who comes across them. Meanwhile, Hampshire Police have issued an appeal for a member of the litter picking group who discovered some of the packages, who they are still looking to speak to.
The hunt for the remainder of the drugs continues, and investigators hope that anyone who discovers packages will help aid in their efforts by reporting any discoveries to the authorities. As the search for the missing drugs continues, anyone who is concerned or spots something suspicious is urged to report to the police immediately
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