Two British pensioners have been arrested after a “large amount of cocaine” was discovered on a cruise ship returning from the Caribbean.
The force said the pair were arrested on suspicion of trafficking narcotics and had been remanded in custody. An investigation was underway and the suspects have appeared in court.
Four suitcases containing the Class A drug were found in the cabin that was occupied by the suspects, officers said. A “high amount” of the drug was seized, they added.
The pair were arrested onboard the Cruise & Maritime Voyages ship Marco Polo, which left London's Tilbury Docks on November 5 for a trip around the West Indies and Azores.
There were 610 passengers and 294 crew on board, and it returned to the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury on Saturday.
In statement, Policia Judiciaria said: “In the cabin that was occupied by the suspects, four suitcases (were found) in whose structures was concealed a high amount of product, more specifically cocaine."
On the arrests, the force said: “This action, which was supported by the Maritime Police, is a result of the permanent exchange of information and cooperation between the Judicial Police and the competent authorities of the United Kingdom, in particular with the National Crime Agency.”
A spokesman for Cruise & Maritime Voyages said: “Portuguese police officials attended the Marco Polo in Lisbon last Tuesday, December 4, and detained two passengers who were travelling on board the Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ vessel.
“It is understood this was in connection with the suspected possession of narcotics.
“Cruise & Maritime Voyages is co-operating fully with the Portuguese police officials.
“Cruise & Maritime Voyages do not tolerate any criminal activity or anti-social behaviour on board their ships.”
An NCA spokesman said: “The NCA works with a wide range of international partners and routinely both shares and receives information.”
“As this is Portuguese led investigation, all further enquiries should be directed to them.”
