AN Adidas shoebox containing £40,000 in cash has been seized from a driver travelling south on the M6.

A proceeds of crime act hearing was held at Carlisle magistrates’ court on Tuesday, where Cumbria Constabulary asked for the authority to keep hold of the money while their investigations continue.

Duncan Watson, financial investigator for the force, told the court: “On Friday, at about 3.40pm, an RV motor vehicle spotted driving south on the M6 and was stopped by traffic officers who thought the car was going rather fast.

“The car was stopped at Southwaite. There was a strong, potent smell of cannabis. They detained the person and the vehicle.

“No drugs were found. There was an Adidas shoe box full of money, around £40,000. They’ve gone to Carlisle police station and he is interviewed later that night.

“He wasn’t happy to be detained. The interview only lasted five minutes as he became agitated. He has been arrested on suspicion of money laundering.”

Mr Watson told the court that the man being questioned did not give an adequate explanation for why he had such a large volume of cash on his person.

“If you had a reasonable explanation, we would be happy to hear it, but on this occasion we are happy to sign,” presiding magistrate Paul Baird told the court as he signed the confiscation order.

The man, who is from Dudley, was travelling south on the M6 when he was stopped by officers and searched.

Mr Baird granted Cumbria Constabulary the authority to keep the money for a period of six months.