According to reports, the drugs were found in Ghafoor's vehicle during a a routine check near the German border.

The 26-year-old, part of the Dutch 4x400 metres squad at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, is reportedly still in Germany and is set to face charges of drug smuggling.

Dutch daily newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported the athlete told officers she was heading for a training session in Düsseldorf before her car was checked by police.

Officers allegedly found boxes containing packages wrapped in aluminium foils during the search, which Ghafoor claimed were stored with sports trainers.

The arrest took place last month but details have only been released by the German public prosecution department this week.

Ghafoor has not been seen since she competed at the Diamond League event in Rabat on June 15 but has reportedly told her family she is unavailable to compete or train due to "personal reasons".

In a statement, the Royal Dutch Athletics Federation said it had "taken notice of the situation with horror" and has "offered help to the family" of the athlete.

"The Athletics Union awaits further legal proceedings and hopes to obtain clarity quickly," the organisation added.

Ghafoor was in line for selection on the Dutch team for the International Association of Athletics Federations World Championships in Doha in September and October before her arrest.

She still has "A" status with the Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation, meaning she is entitled to a monthly income of around €2,270 (£2,000/$2,500).

It is not yet clear whether she has retained this status following her arrest.