Gold bars and jewellery are seized in ‘record’ £2million haul at Manchester Airport – as two men are arrested
Two men have been arrested after gold bars and jewelery worth up to £2 million were seized in a record haul at Manchester Airport.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said it was notified of a suspicious vehicle at Manchester Airport at around 11.40pm on October 30.
Officers found seven gold bars in the vehicle with an estimated total value of £700,000.
Following an initial investigation at the weekend, the two suspects were identified and arrested when they returned on a flight to the UK on Monday night.
Two men, aged 49 and 45, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering. Police said the suspects were detained for questioning and the investigation was ongoing.
A subsequent search of their luggage turned up a further estimated £1 million worth of gold and jewellery.
Further searches at the suspects’ address in Bradford, West Yorkshire, uncovered further gold bullion worth around £60,000, in addition to watches and a quantity of cash worth £30,000.
The total gold seized is believed to be the largest in GMP history.
Money and gold worth up to £2 million were seized in a ‘record’ operation at Manchester Airport
Seven gold bars estimated to be worth £700,000 found by police in a vehicle at the airport
Detective Inspector Sarah Langley, from GMP’s economic crime unit, said: ‘Following initial inquiries, we have commenced a money laundering investigation and are working with all the information we have as part of this investigation.
‘A discovery of this magnitude is of course something we want to investigate the full causes of and our specialist officers are currently determining the reasons for the gold and jewelery being brought into the country.
‘Any crime involving the possession of money or illegal trade and goods is something we will never tolerate and we will always take action to ensure people act within the bounds of the law.
‘If there is anything you may know about this please contact us as your information could greatly assist our business.’
GMP said it can be contacted anonymously via its website at gmp.police.uk or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
