Metropolitan Police have made one of their largest ever cash seizures, finding approximately £4 million in banknotes stuffed into shopping bags during a raid in south London. The discovery followed the stop of a suspicious vehicle and its 54-year-old driver in Catford on Wednesday evening.
Officers initially found £35,000 in a Sports Direct bag in the car. A subsequent search of an address linked to the driver led to the recovery of millions of pounds more. Footage released by the police shows officers counting large quantities of cash, with one officer expressing shock.
In addition to the cash, officers also found one kilogram of cocaine. The 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property and remains in police custody.
Further cash was discovered in two bedrooms at the suspect's linked address. The notes were found in various supermarket bags, including those from Lidl, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and B&M.
Commander Paul Brogen described the seizure as a significant success, highlighting its impact on tackling serious and organised crime. He emphasized the importance of proactive local policing and the role of stop and search, including vehicle stops, in identifying criminal activity. "This result is testament to the persistence and dedication of the officers involved," Brogen stated. "We'll continue to work relentlessly to disrupt and target those who seek to profit from illegal drugs and cause harm in our communities."
The Metropolitan Police noted clear links between the supply of illegal drugs and serious violence in communities.