The National Crime Agency's investigating after two packages of what's thought to be cocaine was found washed up on beaches near Hastings and Newhaven.
The parcels arrived in waterpoof bags attached to life jackets to make them float.
The police were alerted to the packages by passers-by, after which they were removed from both beaches and taken to a secure location to be tested.
Police are linking the seizures, which tested positive for cocaine, though they say a full forensic investigation will now be carried out.
With a combined weight of almost a tonne, it's thought the drugs could have sold for a street value of 80 million pounds.
Martin Grace, National Crime Agency Branch Commander, said:
“This is a significant amount of class A drugs which we think originated in South America, but we are keeping an open mind about how the drugs washed up here and where the end destination might have been.
“Clearly though losing a consignment of this size this will represent a significant hit to the criminal networks involved.
“Our investigation is being assisted by both Sussex Police and Border Force, and is also likely to involve international partners.”
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