A man has been jailed after police caught him attempting to smuggle £850,000 in cash out of the country via the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone.

The bundles of banknotes were found inside secret compartments in Faisal Khan's blue Ford Transit van on Wednesday January 23.

Khan, 27, of Grafton Street in Batley, West Yorkshire, initially denied having any knowledge of the illegally-obtained cash.

However he later pleaded guilty to money laundering, and was sentenced to six years in prison when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday.

Detective Inspector Shaun Creed said: "Faisal Khan originally denied any knowledge of the huge amount of banknotes found hidden within his van, but it was clear that this was a failed attempt to conceal his criminal activity.

"The money seized from his van will now be subject to a forfeiture application under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which if successful will mean the money is re-invested into policing.

"This was a significant seizure of cash that demonstrates our determination and commitment to ensure crime does not pay, and to disrupt the ability of organised groups to profit from illegal activity."

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