Thousands of pounds in cash has been discovered at a port, hidden in pairs of socks inside a van, Customs officials said last night .The £40,000 was found at Ipswich docks last week inside the panels of the vehicle, which was also carrying furniture.
Thousands of pounds in cash has been discovered at a port, hidden in pairs of socks inside a van, Customs officials said last night .
The £40,000 was found at Ipswich docks last week inside the panels of the vehicle, which was also carrying furniture.
Two men in the van were released after questioning.
HM Customs and Excise said the van was stopped as it was about to board the ferry My Flanders Way, heading for Ostend.
Customs spokesman John Barber said magistrates in Ipswich granted its officials an order allowing them to detain the money for three months under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
He said: "This is the first seizure at Ipswich docks of money being taken out of the country.
"Recent legislation has given us extra powers to tackle criminals. We can now detain money that we suspect is the proceeds of any crime. The courts can then allow three months for anyone to put their case and explain the legitimate purpose they had for carrying the money. If they cannot persuade the courts then the money is forfeit."
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