DETECTIVES say they have seized what is believed to be the largest haul of cocaine to be found in Gwent.

Police say the drug was discovered after they stopped a car travelling on the M4 near Newport on Tuesday afternoon.

One kilo of what is believed to be cocaine, which would have a "conservative" street value of £50,000, was recovered during the major operation involving drugs squad detectives and uniformed officers.

The haul has now been sent away for laboratory analysis. Detective Inspector Steve Webber, (pictured) the head of the Gwent Police drugs squad, said: "This has a conservative street value of £50,000. It is a significant seizure and the biggest ever in Gwent."

Cocaine is a drug made from the coca plant and can cause heart problems and chest pain. It can leave users restless, confused and paranoid.

As it is mentally addictive it can produce withdrawal symptoms and anxiety. In severe cases it can cause hallucinations.

Although this would be the largest-ever seizure of cocaine in the area, there have been high-profile seizures of other drugs in Gwent in recent months.

In October last year, DI Webber spearheaded a ten month-long investigation called Operation Verona which resulted in detectives seizing 44kg of amphetamine sulphate with a street value of almost £2 million.

More than £120,000 of the drug was also recovered during the swoop at a rural location in Blackwood.

A 29-year-old man from North London was due to appear before Newport magistrates today charged with drug offences in relation to the M4 incident.