Metropolitan Police officers have seized approximately £4 million in cash and one kilogram of cocaine following a traffic stop and subsequent house search in south London.
The operation, described by Commander Paul Brogen as 'one of the largest we've seen,' began when officers stopped a vehicle and its 54-year-old driver in Catford on Wednesday evening. Initially, police found £35,000 in cash within a Sports Direct bag in the car.
A search of an address linked to the suspect revealed the vast majority of the cash, with millions of pounds discovered stuffed into various supermarket shopping bags, including those from Lidl, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and B&M. Video footage released by the Met shows officers counting large bundles of cash, with one officer audibly expressing shock at the quantity.
More cash was found in two bedrooms at the property, with officers indicating further significant amounts hidden in wardrobes and behind furniture. In total, the cash amounted to about £4 million.
Officers also recovered one kilogram of cocaine from the address. The man arrested in connection with the discovery remains in police custody, facing charges related to possessing criminal property.
Commander Brogen emphasized the significance of proactive policing and stop-and-search tactics in dismantling organized crime. He stated, 'This shows the impact proactive local policing can have in tackling serious and organised crime. The arrest highlights the vital role stop and search, including stopping suspect vehicles, can play in helping officers to identify criminal activity.'
The Met Police highlighted the connection between the supply of illegal drugs and serious violence within communities, underscoring the importance of such seizures in disrupting criminal networks. The force affirmed its commitment to relentlessly targeting individuals who profit from illegal activities and cause harm.