BRITISH ships, including Portsmouth-based HMS Southampton, have seized one of the world's biggest drug hauls after a high-speed sunset swoop netted tonnes of cocaine with a UK street value of £350m.

Defence Secretary John Reid praised the work of the crews in dealing a blow to drug barons following the raid on the cargo ship in the south-west Caribbean between Jamaica and Colombia on Wednesday.

The joint operation involving the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary resulted in a three and a half tonne haul of cocaine, which had been stashed in sacks.

Mr Reid said: "This is another great success for the Royal Navy in countering the trafficking of illegal drugs, which destroy the lives of families in the United Kingdom and around the world.

"The professional crews of HMS Southampton and RFA Grey Rover deserve huge credit for dealing another massive blow to the drug barons that would attack our society."

After the cargo ship was spotted, HMS Southampton, pictured above, right, tracking MV Rampage, broke off from refuelling and led the charge at nearly 30 knots to corner MV Rampage in a surprise pincer movement with the Grey Rover tanker.

Southampton's Lynx Helicopter intercepted the alleged drug runners as the ships appeared over the horizon.

Southampton had been working closely with the US Coastguard and Royal Netherlands Navy authorities.

Rampage and her crew are currently being held by the US Coastguard Authority, based in Miami.

Commander Rob Vitali, HMS Southampton's Commanding Officer, said: "This was a particularly well co-ordinated operation.

"The success of this seizure will send a clear message of determination to stop the smuggling of illegal drugs - and we are good at it.

"Southampton has had a busy operational time, with the ship's recent involvement in two search and rescue incidents."