A SUSPECTED drug smuggling gang was arrested in West Somerset by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers in the early hours of Thursday (July 31).

It followed a police swoop on a boat which saw the seizure of several hundred kilos of drugs found on board.

Four men were arrested - an Albanian national, a Greek national, and two from the UK - all aged between 30 and 50 years.

They were taken into custody in Watchet on suspicion of importing drugs.

National Crime Agency officers seized these packages containing what they believe to be cocaine from a boat off Watchet. PHOTO: NCA.
National Crime Agency officers seized these packages containing what they believe to be cocaine from a boat off Watchet. PHOTO: NCA. ( )

The men are suspected of using a high-powered rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to travel out to sea where it is thought a cargo vessel had dropped off packages of what is believed to be cocaine.

They are suspected of picking up the drugs to bring them to shore, where they would have been transported onward to another location.

The NCA said it was investigating potential links with cargo vessels in the area at the time of the incident.

The four men now face questioning by NCA officers.

Fuel containers found on a suspected drug smuggling gang's boat which police raided off Watchet. PHOTO: NCA.
Fuel containers found on a suspected drug smuggling gang's boat which police raided off Watchet. PHOTO: NCA. ( )

NCA regional head of investigations Gavin Webb said: “This is a fast-moving, intelligence-led investigation by the NCA, with the support of partners including Border Force, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Avon and Somerset Police, and Devon and Cornwall Police.

“The NCA is confronting and dealing with at-sea drugs drop-offs as a priority, focusing on protecting the public, and ensuring illegal drugs do not make it to UK shores.

“Our investigation is ongoing and those arrested remain in custody.”