Twelve people, including two Brits and a Dutch national living in London, were arrested on Sunday (March 24) in a joint operation by the National Crime Agency and Portuguese police, the NCA confirmed on Thursday (March 28).

Approximately 18kg of cocaine was recovered by officers, stashed in bowls and crisp packets, said the NCA. Cash and phones were also seized.

Six of those arrested had recently arrived on Madeira from the UK and were due to travel onwards from Funchal to various locations in Europe, including the UK.

Four were passengers on the cruise. All 12 have been detained to appear in court in Portugal.

Allan Round, NCA operations manager at its Joint Border Intelligence Unit, said: “We believe this operation will have seriously disrupted an organised crime group looking to traffick cocaine into the UK and Europe.

“Working with our Portuguese colleagues, we have been able to act on intelligence at speed and prevent this quantity of drugs from reaching its final destination.

“Once in the UK, we know cocaine generates huge profits for criminal networks who are also involved in street violence and exploitation, so stopping it will help reduce the harm caused by them.”

A MSC spokesperson said: “MSC Cruises confirms it has closely cooperated with the relevant local authorities for the successful completion of a drug trafficking operation regarding the smuggling by passengers of illegal substances on board MSC Opera.

“The vessel reached Funchal, Portugal, on Sunday on her return voyage from the Caribbean.”