A couple have been detained after a “large amount of cocaine” was found on a cruise ship returning from the Caribbean.

The Policia Judiciaria in Portugal said foreign nationals - aged 72 and 70 and believed to be British - were detained in Lisbon after receiving information from the UK National Crime Agency.

They were travelling on board the Marco Polo, operated by Cruise and Maritime Voyages, which had left Tilbury on November 5 and travelled to the West Indies and Azores with 610 passengers and 294 crew on board.

After the pair were arrested, the ship continued on its planned route and returned to the UK on December 8.

The force said the duo were arrested on suspicion of trafficking narcotics and have been remanded in custody.

A spokesman said: “In the cabin that was occupied by the suspects, four suitcases (were found) in whose structures was concealed a high amount of product, more specifically cocaine.”

The pensioners have appeared before a judge and are being held in custody while a joint Portuguese and British investigation continues. Cruise and Maritime Voyages is complying with the investigation.

A company spokesman said: “Portuguese police officials attended the Marco Polo in Lisbon on December 4 and detained two passengers who were travelling on board the Cruise and Maritime Voyages vessel.

“It is understood this was in connection with the suspected possession of narcotics.

“Cruise and Maritime Voyages is co-operating fully with the Portuguese police officials.”

He added the firm “does not tolerate any criminal activity or antisocial behaviour on board its ships”.