WIREDGOV

A 44-year-old man who is wanted in connection with a National Crime Agency investigation into large scale drug supply has been arrested attempting to leave the country.

The Liverpool resident was detained by Border Force officers in Cheriton as he tried to leave the UK for Spain via the Channel Tunnel on Saturday 13 June.

Officers searching his vehicle recovered £19,000 of suspected criminal cash.

He remains in custody and is being questioned by NCA officers. 

Martin Matthews, Operations Manager at the National Crime Agency, said: 

"This  arrest shows how closely aligned we are with our Border Force colleagues in our efforts to monitor the UK border.  

"This man is a subject of interest in a live NCA investigation and was stopped attempting to leave the country with a large sum of what is believed to be criminal cash. 

"Those looking to exploit the UK border, be it to avoid arrest or move criminal goods, should think again. The NCA and Border Force have a range of capabilities at our disposal to ensure you will be detected and you will be detained.”

David Finlay, Border Force Senior Intelligence Manager, said:

“This significant interception and seizure is an example of Border Force’s ongoing work supporting UK law enforcement to tackle serious organised crime.

“If any individuals engaged in organised crime think that they can escape justice through leaving the country, please be aware that Border Force and the NCA will be waiting.”