Drug Courier Caught with Nearly £860k in Van
Faisal Khan, 29, suspected drug courier for an organised crime gang, has been stung with a massive cash seizure. The Batley man was caught at the Channel Tunnel in January 2019 driving a blue Ford Transit with a hidden compartment stuffed with £856,330 in cash.
Van Search Uncovers Secret Stash
UK Border Force stopped Khan’s van for a routine check. Spotting a magnet inside, officers used it to pry open the secret compartment. Inside lay the huge haul of Class A drug money. Khan was jailed for six years in September 2019 over the bust.
Cash Confiscated and Forfeited
At a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing in Canterbury Crown Court on 1 June 2021, the cash – plus £4,558 interest – was officially seized and forfeited. Khan had initially waived his rights to the money, but investigators proved he earned a hefty sum each time he ferried illegal goods.
More Than Just Cash: Assets Targeted Too
Financial sleuths from Kent and Essex’s Serious Crime Directorate uncovered Khan’s car, land, and residential properties, suggesting he profited plenty from his dodgy dealings. In April 2021, he was ordered to repay £90,150 within three months or risk an extra year behind bars.
“Faisal Khan may have been happy to distance himself from the vast quantity of cash found hidden within his van but it was clear he was still benefiting financially from the work he had carried out on behalf of the organised crime group,” said Detective Chief Inspector Helena Banusic.
“It would have been unacceptable for him to continue to enjoy his illegally-funded possessions following his eventual release from prison, which is why the Proceeds of Crime Act exists to ensure offenders like Khan are made to literally pay for their crimes.”
Detective Sergeant Matthew Whitlock from the Border Policing team added: “We work closely with our partner agencies at the ports to ensure criminals do not attempt to import or export cash, weapons or other items linked to criminal activity.
“This was a significant seizure of money that demonstrates our determination and commitment to disrupt the ability of organised groups to profit from their crimes.”
