Two women were detained at Heathrow Airport with more than £1,000,000 in their suitcases

During the search, the passengers were found in possession of 982,000 pounds and 186,000 Canadian dollars. They failed to submit a passenger red customs declaration, despite being obligated to do so.

14 June 2025 at 00:59 | By Kyle Robinson

During a routine customs inspection at Heathrow Airport, authorities discovered two female passengers carrying an unusually large sum of undeclared currency. The women were detained after officers uncovered a combined total of £982,000 in British pounds and $186,000 in Canadian dollars, all tightly packed within their checked luggage.

The passengers had failed to complete the mandatory red customs declaration form, which is required when transporting large sums of money into or out of the United Kingdom. According to airport officials, the omission raised red flags as both individuals appeared nervous and provided inconsistent explanations when questioned.

Following the discovery, the Border Force initiated an on-site investigation. The cash was found hidden in multiple layers of clothing and personal items, spread across two large suitcases. Authorities noted the money was bundled and wrapped in a manner commonly associated with smuggling techniques.

Neither woman provided documentation explaining the origin of the funds. One claimed she was visiting the UK for a shopping trip, while the other mentioned attending a family gathering. Their travel itineraries, however, did not match, and they were not seated together on the flight.

Officials confirmed that no prior customs declarations had been made by the passengers either online or at the airport. Under UK law, travelers must declare if they are carrying €10,000 or more in cash when entering or leaving the country. Failure to do so can lead to seizure of funds and possible prosecution.

Heathrow’s customs enforcement team has seen a rise in such cases this year. Officers say increased surveillance and improved scanning equipment have helped identify suspicious travelers more efficiently. “This case highlights the importance of our frontline checks,” a Border Force spokesperson stated.

The two women, both foreign nationals, were taken into custody for further questioning. Authorities are working to determine whether the incident is linked to broader criminal activity, including money laundering or organized crime. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage to assess the passengers' movements throughout the terminal.

The seized cash will remain in government custody while the investigation continues. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, UK authorities are permitted to hold funds suspected to be connected to unlawful activity. A court hearing will determine whether the money is forfeited permanently.

At the time of reporting, the identities of the two women have not been disclosed, and no formal charges have been filed. The case serves as a reminder of the strict financial regulations in place at international borders, and the consequences of attempting to bypass them.