Officers boarded the motor cruiser Trio in the River Dart near Dartmouth after it arrived from northern France on Sunday evening.

Four men from the West Midlands were arrested after officers discovered the tobacco worth almost £60,000.

The men were taken to Torquay police station to be interviewed by customs officers.

Customs cutter Vigilant escorted the vessel to Plymouth where an on-board search is being carried out.

Customs Law Enforcement spokesman Bob Gaiger said: "This is the first time we have confiscated such a large amount of tobacco from a recreational boat in the South West.

"We are delighted with the seizure. Smuggling tobacco is not a victimless crime.

"It costs the taxpayer £9 million every day in lost revenue, which could be better spent on public services rather than lining the pockets of smugglers."