Spanish authorities have discovered nearly nine tonnes of cocaine on board a Schulte-managed boxship.

The 2,602-teu Lucie Schulte (built 2006) was searched in Algeciras on 22 April, local media said.

The cocaine was found hidden in a container that had been loaded in Turbo, Colombia.

It also contained 10,000 boxes of bananas.

Spanish police have arrested three people from a Malaga import company, while three more suspects were held in France.

The ship has now left the port. There is no suggestion the crew were involved in any way.

Schulte Shipmanagement has been contacted for comment.