The haul was detected by GNR police after a routine road block in an area known for drug trafficking according to the police force.

In a statement sent to newsrooms, the Territorial Command of GNR Viana do Castelo said that the arrest took place on 5 September after the police involved in the operation had approached a vehicle whose driver had demonstrated “suspicious behaviour”.

During “police proceedings it was found that the suspect was in possession of 26 counterfeit €500 notes, culminating in his arrest”.

The man, who already has a criminal record for possession of a prohibited weapon, was arrested and the case has been referred to the Judicial Court of Viana do Castelo.