This is the moment more than three tonnes of cocaine were seized from an international drug trafficking gang on the Costa del Sol.

Three suspects were arrested following the joint investigation by the Policia Nacional and Portugal’s Policia Judiciaria.

Two suspects were detained in Torremolinos and Marbella, while a third was arrested in Portugal. All three have since been remanded in custody.

The investigation began on August 11 after police received intelligence that an unknown quantity of drugs was being transported from Portugal towards Malaga province.

Investigators identified a van travelling towards the Costa del Sol accompanied by another vehicle which allegedly acted as an escort and lookout.

Police tracked the vehicles to a property on an estate in Torremolinos, which investigators believe was being used as a so-called guarderia – a secure storage location used by drug trafficking organisations.

Officers watched as numerous large packages were unloaded at the property before the van began its return journey towards Portugal.

The accompanying vehicle later left the property and allegedly attempted to flee from police.

It was eventually intercepted in Marbella, where officers discovered a two-tonne haul of cocaine and the driver was arrested.

Cocaine and loaded gun found in Torremolinos

Police simultaneously raided the suspected drug storage facility in Torremolinos, where they found a further 1.7 tonnes of cocaine and a loaded handgun.

A man suspected of guarding the drugs was arrested at the property.

Meanwhile, Portuguese police intercepted the van as part of the coordinated operation.

The driver was arrested and officers seized a further 1.5 tonnes of cocaine, as well as two long guns.

Police said the operation concluded on August 13 with three firearms, two vehicles, €1,100 in cash, cameras, a night-vision monocular and communications equipment also seized.

The investigation targeted a criminal organisation allegedly dedicated to transporting huge quantities of cocaine internationally.

The three suspects are accused of offences including membership of a criminal organisation, drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.

Police said charges also include assaulting a law enforcement officer and road safety offences.

All three suspects have been sent to prison pending further proceedings.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.