Specialist police are investigating the discovery of a series of packages containing cocaine washed up on NSW beaches.

A total of 124 barnacle-covered one kilogram ‘bricks’ of the drug have been retrieved from the surf between Sydney and Newcastle in the past week.

Tuggerah Lakes police were called to Magenta Beach after a member of the public located a suspicious package on December 22. The seized item contained 39 sealed packets.

On Christmas Eve seven more individually wrapped bricks washed up on Magenta, Pelican, Blacksmith and Avoca beaches, Pentaloon Bay and North Steyne Beach.

On Boxing Day morning water police were also called to Barrenjoey Headland off Sydney’s northern beaches where a fisherman had found a blue barrel stuffed with another 39 packs of cocaine.

And then on Tuesday afternoon, a swimmer discovered a suspicious package at Newcastle Ocean Baths containing yet another 39 sealed packages.

Investigators are working closely with PolAir and the force’s Marine Area Command, as well as Australian Border Force and Surf Life Saving NSW, to seize any outstanding packages and determine their origin.

State Crime Command director Detective Chief Superintendent Jason Weinstein thanked those who’d reported the discovery of the drugs.

“We thank those who have heeded the warning to report any suspicious packages to police as we get to the bottom of this matter and we remind people that being in possession of a prohibited drug is a criminal offence,” he said on Wednesday.

“Detectives and specialist police are currently combing beaches and coastlines for any outstanding packages and working behind the scenes to make sure we find and hold accountable those responsible.”