Police intercepted 72kg of alleged cocaine concealed in a ship's hull and luggage during a port inspection in Spain.

The bust was part of a joint operation with the Customs Maritime Agency. Officers found 50kg of suspected cocaine packed in a large suitcase aboard a supply vessel that services merchant ships.

An additional 22kg were later located inside a black bag lodged in the water intake grilles of one of the ships recently serviced by the vessel.

Authorities said that suspicion arose during a routine inspection of the supply boat at the Port of Las Palmas.

Three crew members were on board, including the captain, a sailor, and an unregistered crewman.

Following the initial discovery of the suspected drugs in the suitcase, a further search revealed diving equipment in the vessel's hold.

Specialists from the GEAS underwater unit examined the vessel and discovered additional concealed packages, believed to be drugs, hidden within its water intake system.

Officials confirmed that two of those involved were employees at the Port of Las Palmas.

The case has been handed over to the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria court, which has ordered the provisional imprisonment of those responsible.