Police officers who stopped and searched a motorist in south London were astonished to then discover £4m in cash and a kilo of cocaine.

The driver was spotted acting suspiciously as he drove through Catford at around 6.30pm on Wednesday.

After pulling the vehicle over, officers searched the 54-year-old driver and the car, discovering a shopping bag containing £35,000 in cash.

Searches at the man’s home recovered around £4m in used bank notes and 1kg in cocaine.

The money was stashed in multiple shopping bags hidden in the two-bedroom property. There were so many bundles of notes that, when laid out, they covered one of the beds.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property, and remains in police custody for questioning.

The seizure is believed to be one of the largest ever made during a routine stop and search, and the officers involved have been praised for their sharp-eyed instinct.

Commander Paul Brogden, of the Met’s specialist crime team, said: “This is one of the largest cash seizures we’ve seen and shows the impact that proactive local policing can have in tackling serious and organised crime.

“The arrest highlights the vital role stop and search, including stopping suspect vehicles, can play in helping officers to identify criminal activity.

“This result is testament to the persistence and dedication of the officers involved. We’ll continue to work relentlessly to disrupt and target those who seek to profit from illegal drugs and cause harm in our communities.”