Police plea to Hampshire and Dorset beach walkers after holdalls containing suspected cocaine found washed up at Purbeck and on the Isle of Wight

BEACH walkers across Hampshire and Dorset have been urged to look out for suspicious packages after a large amount of class A drugs was found washed up.

The National Crime Agency launched an investigation into holdalls containing hundreds of kilos of suspected cocaine discovered in the sea off the St Aldhelm’s point and Durdle Door areas in Purbeck last Monday.

On Saturday, litter pickers found a further quantity washed up on an Isle of Wight beach.

It is believed the powder originated from South America.

The Purbeck packages, found by a fisherman, are currently being examined to confirm their contents and quantity.

Border Force is supporting the probe, along with Hampshire and Dorset police.

NCA senior investigating officer Tracey Lake said: “A loss of a consignment of this size would represent a significant hit to the criminal networks involved.

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

Both Hampshire and Dorset police have been continuing to search the coastlines for further packages.

The Hampshire force is calling for one of the Isle of Wight litter pickers to come forward to assist its investigation.

The man, who is in his 60s, was described as slim build, around 5ft 6in tall, with short grey hair, and a birthmark on the right side of his mouth.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary ACC Stuart Murray said: "Anyone who does locate any suspicious packages should call 999, with our call handlers able to provide further advice.

"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."

Dorset temporary Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “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.”