Almost £20m worth of cocaine has been seized at Portsmouth Docks, sparking a National Crime Agency investigation.

The seizure of 240kg of the Class A drug was made yesterday (Wednesday) by Border Force officers supporting the NCA.

A refrigerated cargo ship – the MV Atlantic Klipper – docked in Portsmouth having set sail from South America via the Caribbean.

The drugs – which have a street value of £19.2m – were hidden in crates of bananas.

With the support of the Joint Operations Unit which comprises Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police, the drugs were moved to a secure location

Matteo Sole, NCA senior investigating officer, said: “This is a significant seizure of cocaine and will deprive the organised crime group behind it of profit that cannot now fund further offending.

“The NCA works at home with partners such as Border Force, and abroad, to combat the threat of Class A drugs and the toxic effect they have on society.”

The investigation continues.