Around 40 kilos of cocaine - equating to millions of pounds- were seized from a cargo ship at the Port of Dover on Wednesday.

Officers from the Border Force’s national deep rummage team searched the MV Esmeralda and discovered the drugs in the hold.

The ship was en route from South America to Rotterdam loaded with bananas.

There were no arrests and the ship was allowed to continue its journey.

The investigation was passed to the National Crime Agency and inquiries are continuing.

Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe said: “This seizure has prevented a large amount of cocaine from reaching the streets of Europe.

'Our officers use a variety of methods and technology to prevent class A drugs entering the UK.' - Paul Morgan, Border Force

“Officers use a variety of methods and technology to prevent class A drugs entering the UK, and their expertise is regularly demonstrated by seizures like this.

“Working with the NCA and other agencies we are determined to bring to justice those involved in this illicit trade – from the individual smugglers up to the organised criminals at the top of the tree.”

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to smuggling should call the hotline on 0800 59 5000.