The raid was carried out on 31 March by the Northfleet branch of the National Crime Squad. It focused on two sites on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, and was part of eight-month operation codenamed Bardsea.

A police spokesman said the quality of the fake notes was, "very good". Colin Edgar of Warden Road, Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey, has been charged with possession of counterfeit currency, possession of counterfeit currency with intent to use, and possession of articles made or adapted for producing counterfeit currency.

He has been remanded in custody. A woman was released on bail pending further enquiries. Police investigators found computers, printing paper, hot foil and a hot foil machine used for the production of notes at a bungalow in Cliffe Gardens, Minster.

A basement floor was also covered in drying forged ban notes. At the same address, officers recovered hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit currency, mainly 50 notes, as well as a quantity of English 50 notes.