Cocaine washed up on beach near Aberystwyth worth £42m

Black bags tied to plastic tubs were found on Tan-y-Bwlch beach, near Aberystwyth

Bundles of drugs that washed up on a beach are worth about £42m, police have said.

A large number of black bags tied to plastic tubs were found by passers-by on Tan-y-Bwlch beach near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, on 1 October.

More bundles were later found and all are thought to contain cocaine.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the haul weighed about 1,200kg and warned the public not to touch any more if it washed up, but to contact the force.

A statement said: "Forensic work continues on the substance found in the bags, but we believe it to be cocaine weighing approximately 1,200kg. This amount would have a wholesale value of approximately £42m.

• Concern at beach find of suspected cocaine

"Our investigation continues and we reiterate to the public that if they find anything suspicious on the beaches, the contents shouldn't be touched and police should be contacted immediately."