Police in Lower Saxony, Germany, have uncovered a major drug smuggling operation involving 280 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the hull of a cargo ship from South America.

Six suspects, aged between 38 and 65, were arrested, including three divers caught retrieving the waterproof drug packages.

The operation took place in the port of Brake, where specialized police and customs units acted on prior intelligence.

Four of the suspects are already in custody, while decisions on the remaining two are pending.

This significant drug bust highlights ongoing issues with cocaine smuggling along Germany's North Sea coast, where similar incidents have been reported in recent years.