Residents have expressed their shock and concern after dozens of packages of cocaine worth £100,000 washed up across the coast.

Tests proved that 131 packets that washed up in Sussex last month were cocaine with a street value of at least £13 million.

Colourful packages of cocaine began appearing on beaches across the county in early October, with each kilogram brick marked with the word POPI.

Armed police set up cordons and armoured cars were used to transport the drugs off the beaches.

The first findings in Sussex followed earlier incidents on the Isle of Wight, where people were seen taking packages away.

It is believed at least 20 kilograms of cocaine was found wrapped in a package which washed up in Ferring on October 12.

Officers used drones and a helicopter the following day to sweep for more drugs in Middleton and Felpham, near Bognor, after more packets washed up along the coast near Butlin’s.

Other sightings were reported in Selsey on October 19, Goring on October 23, West Wittering on October 27 and Hove on October 28.

The Argus: Cocaine worth millions of pounds washed up along the coast in SussexCocaine worth millions of pounds washed up along the coast in Sussex (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Retired engineer Steve Pritchard, 71, from Worthing, was walking his dog along Goring beach where a day earlier armed police were guarding around 30 kilograms of cocaine which washed ashore with the morning tide.

Mr Pritchard had his own theories about the cocaine’s origin.

“It’s probably come off a freighter in the Channel,” he said.

“Lots more people have been on the beach walking their dogs since the first reports of packages, but you get all sorts of stuff washing up along here.

“Somebody must be pushing it overboard.”

Angela Jameson, 80, from Goring, said: “I’m really shocked that it has happened here.

“Somebody is out of pocket over this.”

Ms Jameson expressed concern about the danger the packages could cause.

“A dog could’ve found one and ripped it open,” she said. “What if a kiddie got hold of one?

“There are a lot of older people living here and we’re not used to this kind of thing.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Following tests, we can confirm that a total of 131 kilograms of cocaine washed up over the ten sightings in Sussex.”

Police have yet to make any arrests in connection with the incidents.

The investigation has been handed over to the National Crime Agency to carry on the hunt for the smugglers.