A man arrested following the discovery of what is believed to be cocaine at a well-known Isle of Wight landmark has been bailed.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said it suspects suspicious packages, which washed up in Chale on Friday, October 13, had been opened and moved from the beach.
The County Press has been told they were found at St Catherine's Oratory — affectionately known as the Pepperpot.
Police said they were called by a member of the public on Sunday, October 15.
Read more:
- Isle of Wight beach drugs investigation sees man spoken to
- Isle of Wight beach drug packages likely to be cocaine says NCA
Officers suspect the packages had been moved before they were called.
A 57-year-old man from Ryde was arrested for being concerned in the supply of drugs.
He has been bailed until 15 January
Read more:
- Isle of Wight find sparks suspected cocaine investigation
- Isle of Wight cocaine investigation: New package reported
It is the latest in a long line of drug discoveries on the Island, as part of a major investigation.
On October 2, a fisherman found sports bags containing hundreds of kilos of powder off the Dorset coast.
Packages were first found on Island beaches last weekend.
Read more: Isle of Wight drugs arrests may have cocaine packages link
On Saturday (14), a boat was seized in Yarmouth and three men were arrested on suspicion of drug dealing. They were later bailed.
Police are yet to confirm whether that incident was linked to the massive National Crime Agency (NCA) operation.
The NCA has already said the drugs washed up on beaches and found at sea were most likely transported from South America onto a merchant ship.
House Rules
We do not moderate comments, but we expect readers to adhere to certain rules in the interests of open and accountable debate.
Last Updated:
Report this comment Cancel