POLICE have charged nine men with smuggling drugs into Britain after they seized what is believed to be millions of pounds worth of cannabis in Southampton.

Three Israeli men, four Serbian men and two other men from the Ukraine were arrested by Serious Organised Crime Agency officers as the tug boat Abbira arrived in Southampton on the River Itchen.

It is believed that six tonnes of cannabis was found on the vessel although a spokeswoman from SOCA said they were still unable to confirm the exact amount seized.

The nine men, which include an 81-year old man from Israel, are due to appear before Southampton Magistrate's Court later today.