Three suspected drug smugglers have been jailed after an audacious attempt to retrieve 50kg of cocaine from a container ship in Algeciras.

The three men allegedly used a stolen jet ski to reach a container vessel in the port before two of them climbed aboard wearing clothing resembling port uniforms.

The operation involved a jet ski stolen just hours earlier, clothing resembling that worn by port workers and two backpacks containing drugs valued at more than €1.5million.

Guardia Civil officers first spotted the jet ski behaving suspiciously near a container vessel undergoing loading and unloading operations at the Port of Algeciras.

The craft was carrying three men and appeared to be heading towards the quay where the ship was berthed.

Officials from the port’s Risk Analysis Unit – formed by Customs Surveillance officers from Spain’s Tax Agency and members of the Guardia Civil – launched a monitoring operation with support from the force’s Maritime Service.

Two of the suspects allegedly left the jet ski after reaching the vessel and climbed aboard.

Both were wearing clothing similar to the uniforms normally used by port workers in an apparent attempt to avoid attracting attention.

Officers monitored the suspects’ movements before boarding and inspecting the container vessel.

They discovered two backpacks that had allegedly been removed from one of its shipping containers.

Investigators believe the men attempted to hide the bags inside the ship after realising that officers were approaching.

The backpacks contained 50 separate packages that were later confirmed to hold cocaine.

The drugs weighed a total of 50kg and were estimated to be worth more than €1.5million on the illegal market.

Meanwhile, the third suspect remained on the jet ski, apparently ready to transport the group away from the port.

A Guardia Civil Maritime Service vessel intercepted him before he could escape from the area.

Investigators later discovered that the jet ski used during the operation had been stolen in La Linea de la Concepcion only hours earlier.

All three men were arrested and placed before the relevant judicial authority alongside the seized drugs and other evidence collected during the operation.

A judge ordered the three suspects to be remanded in custody.