Early this morning, customs department officials found over 26,000 euros during coordinated searches in the departure lounge by the Anti Money Laundering team and the Canine Unit.

The officials were screening passengers early morning departing to Tunis, when Peter the Customs Sniffer dog indicated that a particular passenger might be carrying large amounts of cash. The Libyan national was asked how much cash he is carrying, to which re responded 9,000 euros.

However given the reaction of the dog the officials decided to search his personal luggage. Following preliminary searches 11,000 euros were seized and subsequently over 15,000 euros were found hidden in the passenger's underwear.

The police economic crimes unit was duly informed and the passenger placed under arrest for further investigations. He is expected to be arraigned in court later today.

Passengers are allowed to carry as much cash as they want when travelling, however they are obliged to declare any amount over 10,000euros. This is an EU legal obligation which is meant to curb money laundering.