A significant quantity of what is thought to be cocaine has been found washed ashore on the Isle of Wight coast today (Saturday), prompting a frantic multi-agency search to locate any more Class A bundles.
The packages washed up on the beach between St Catherine’s Lighthouse and Isle of Wight Pearl near Brighstone at some point between yesterday evening and today.
A large emergency service presence – including that of local HM Coastguard teams – was seen at either end of the search area today as Police sought to swiftly and safely locate the suspected contraband.
Tackling things from the sea, the Royal Navy boat HMS Severn was drafted in to patrol the waters, whilst the National Police Air Service helicopter kept an eye on proceedings from above before – before heading back to the mainland at around 16:00.
It has been confirmed that the massive find was made by a group of local litter pickers who were clearing up the shore earlier this morning. Police are actively looking to speak to a member of the cohort – a man in his 60s, who is of slim build, around 5ft 6ins tall and has short grey hair, with a birthmark on the right side of his mouth.
The initial find was made by a fisherman in Dorset last Monday (2nd October). On this occasion, hundreds of kilos of the suspected Class A drugs were packed into holdalls. The discovery was made in the sea off the St Aldhelm’s Point and Durdle Door areas in Purbeck.
The investigation, led by the National Crime Agency, is being supported by Border Force, Dorset Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
Tracey Lake, NCA senior investigating officer, has 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 Police as well as Border Force. Any additional suspect packages encountered by members of the public should be reported to the relevant Police force”
“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.”
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Murray of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary adds:
“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, and 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.
“There is a member of the litter picking group, a man in his 60s, who we want to make contact with as we continue to speak with everyone in the vicinity this morning, and we would ask him to get in touch with him. He is of slim build, around 5ft 6ins tall and had short grey hair, with a birth mark on the right side of his mouth.
“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.”
How do you know that the litter pickers weren’t involved. Seems like a coincidence.. Or not???
Far from ideal potentially ruining other people’s lives, health and financial ruin. Please learn to avoid drugs before it is too late if you are ever tempted. Be your own person.
Probably a failed sea dead drop lmao, this is why people should play RuneScape, real lessons learned when I nearly lost 5k lobbies and 100 ppots trading to a pure back in 2009
There is so much druggery on this island, one can smell the pungent stuff everywhere it seems. The criminals involved in the supply really don’t care less about the damage it causes to, often vulnerable people, who have become regular users.
One comes across those clearly mentally damaged by drug use in every town and village here – they are really the victims of this vile trade. I have seen those clearly mentally disturbed from it’s use, not to mention their greatly reduced life expectancy. Often taking it up out of curiosity or peer pressure, they pay heavily with their mental and physical health, badly affecting all those close to them.
We really need to get the Police to act decisively against this trade.
Legalise it all, problem solved.
Learn about oxycontin
In my opinion you have to be mentally compromised to even take the drugs in the first place.. What on earth prompts a youth to decide that life is better when stoned? There is no logic in drugs whatsoever. Sure, you might feel nice for an hour or two, but what then? What is missing from their life to tempt them to leave behind everything they know, and everyone they love just for the short buzz a fix will give them? I understand that some have issues that a fix can mask for a while, but I am talking those who think a night out is not complete without drugs. Maybe they all think they can deal with the addiction issues, but plainly that is not true.
Ever drunk alcohol or coffee, smooth brain?
What utter rubbish you are spouting. Alcohol is causing far,far greater problems on the Island than any drug I rather suspect the people you say are clearly affected ed by drugs are more likely to be alcohol dependent.
I bet that the Freshwater Five have twitching arse cheeks with this discovery
Down to compton theres more
Judging by your name, I bet you have more than just a gram in your possession now!
Bet the beaches are full of new “dog walkers” and “joggers”!
Sounds like someone picked up a bonus pack….
i bet all the druggy’s in there very old BMW’S are on the beach today looking for a free hand out
I have a new BMW thanks
Part of the same load that has been washing up on beaches in the south west for weeks
If you’re the bloke they want to speak too. Don’t talk to them unless your have legal representation. They will stich you up if you go in on your own. Not safe talking to the police.
He ain’t talking to the police, he is off his nut flying around his sitting room.
Unfortunately I wasn’t picking litter on the 7th. If I was I’d be a millionaire by now.
I wonder who’ll get fitted up for this lot ?