Packages containing suspected controlled drugs have washed up at various areas of Bermuda’s coast.

Police said “several” reports had come from people encountering packages floating in the water and along shorelines.

Police and the Coastguard seized and secured the items as evidence.

A spokesman said the contents appeared “consistent with illegal narcotics” and would get forensically tested to confirm their composition and origin.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith, head of the drugs unit, said: “We are actively investigating how these packages came to be in Bermuda’s waters and whether they are linked to any maritime activity or regional drug trafficking operations.

“We are liaising with our local and international partners to determine the source and potential destination of these drugs.”

The public were advised not to touch, move or open any suspicious packages found on the beach or in the water, but to “immediately” call the main police number, 295-0011, the non-emergency reporting number at 211 or to use the police portal online.

Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers Bermuda at 800-8477.