Elderly cruise ship couple arrested after police find COCAINE stash in their suitcases

Following a tip-off from the UK’s National Crime Agency, police searched the couple’s belongings.

The cocaine was found hidden in false bottoms in four suitcases apparently belonging to the elderly pair, who had paid £3,000 each for their cruise tickets.

The duo – who have not been named – are now being held on suspicion of international drug smuggling. They have appeared in court and it is not yet known whether they admit guilt or have some other explanation for the find.

Vitor Ananais, who led the operation for Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria, said: “We believe the couple were given the drugs in a Caribbean island.

“We do not know for sure where the cocaine was going to be brought ashore.

“The couple were not at all showy and blended in well because most of the other passengers on the liner were elderly.”