Spanish police released a video showing officers raiding the sumptuous villa in Marbella, which they say is owned by one of the Britons arrested in the operation.

Inside, police found a lavatory which was covered with piles of €50 notes as the drug dealers did not know what to do with the loot.

In 2020, intelligence from the National Crime Agency identified a British crime group based in Spain who were trafficking cocaine across the Atlantic.

Yachts sailed from Valencia, Malaga and Alicante to Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, Barbados and Panama. They made the return journey laden with cocaine

Neil Keeping, National Crime Agency regional manager in Spain, said: “This Spanish-led international operation has dismantled a major drug trafficking crime group and resulted in the arrests of 10 British nationals.

“A portion of the class A drugs seized would have undoubtedly been destined for the UK where its supply at street levels fuels violence and exploitation and brings misery to our communities.”

More than 15 Norwegians including a “reconverted bank robber” were held as part of the police operation.

Around 1.5 tons of cocaine in all, eight boats, 36 vehicles and more than 85 mobile phones were seized.