A major drugs investigation is underway after what the National Crime Agency says what appears to be 'significant quantity' of cocaine was found on an Isle of Wight beach and in Dorset.

We are warned to expect a greater than normal police presence in the West Wight and urged to be on the lookout for suspicious packages.

Meanwhile, an appeal has been launched to find a man, believed to be aged in his 60s, who was litter-picking on the Island today (Saturday).

  • Scroll down for details of what to do if you're the person police want to speak to, or if you see a similar package...

Dorset discovery

On October 2, holdalls containing hundreds of kilos of powder were discovered in the sea off the St Aldhelm’s point and Durdle Door areas in Purbeck.

The packages were found by a fisherman, who alerted police.

Then, earlier today, a further quantity washed up on a beach on the Island.

Isle of Wight County Press: A package found on the Isle of WightA package found on the Isle of Wight (Image: NCA)

The packages are currently being examined to confirm their contents and quantity, and an investigation is being supported by Border Force, Dorset Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s ACC Stuart Murray said: "We have been supporting the ongoing investigation with searches across the West Wight today, after a number of packages were discovered this morning by a group who were out litter picking.
 
"This work is ongoing, and you will continue to see police throughout the evening and into tomorrow.

"We would ask anyone who finds any suspicious bags or packages on the coastline of Hampshire and the Island to get in touch with us immediately."

Appeal to find a man

 
Police want to make contact with a man aged in his 60s, as they continue to talk to those who were in the vicinity of the Isle of Wight discovery today.

He is described as slim build, around 5ft 6ins tall and with short grey hair, with a birth mark on the right side of his mouth.

He is asked to contact Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

What to do if you find a suspicious package 

  • Police say, if you locate any suspicious packages, call 999 for advice.

 

Isle of Wight County Press: Some of the packages found off Dorset.Some of the packages found off Dorset. (Image: NCA)

ACC Stuart Murray added: "Working with the National Crime Agency and our other partners, we will continue to do all we can to protect the safety of our communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and make life as difficult as possible for those taking part in criminal activity."

NCA senior investigating officer Tracey Lake said: “We believe this a significant amount of class A drugs, which would have originated in South America.

"A loss of  a consignment of this size would represent a significant hit to the criminal networks involved.

"Our investigation is being assisted by both Dorset and Hampshire and Isle of Wight police, as well as Border Force.

"Any additional suspect packages encountered by members of the public should be reported to the relevant police force."

"Working tirelessly"

Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell, of Dorset Police, said: “Officers from our marine team, supported by colleagues from across the Force and HM Coastguard have been working tirelessly with the NCA and Border Force to recover these suspect packages.

“Searches remain ongoing and I would ask anyone who finds a holdall or similar package in suspect circumstances to please not touch the item, but contact Dorset Police immediately.

“We remain committed to joining forces with our partner agencies to relentlessly pursue criminals and organised gangs suspected of being involved in drug supply offences so that we can keep the public safe.”