Two suspected money launderers reportedly tried to pass off more than £12,000 in cash as spending money.

The two men were arrested after being stopped while leaving the UK via the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone.

Officers from the Channel Tunnel policing unit stopped the pair's car at around 11am yesterday, and searched the vehicle.

They found a dozen bundles of cash of £1,000 each in two holdalls, mixed in with clothing.

The men told the officers that it was spending money that had been gifted by relatives, but were unable to provide further evidence to back up their claims.

When pressed further by detectives, the men reportedly attempted to change their story.

The money was duly seized and the men – aged 36 and 22 – were arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

The 36-year-old, of no fixed address, has since been released pending further inquiries.

The 22-year-old from London was wanted in connection with drugs offences outside of Kent. He remains in police custody.