A ROUTINE traffic stop by sharp-eyed officers has resulted in a fine of nearly £50,000.

Iftkhar Safeer, 26, was yesterday given four months to hand over the cash following investigations under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The hearing at Teesside Crown Court was told how a car, being driven erratically in Middlesbrough, was pulled over in August 2003.

As traffic officers from Cleveland Police questioned the driver, a piece of cannabis was found in the vehicle.

That led to a detailed search of a family home in Linthorpe in the town which uncovered £28,600 in cash.

Following forensic tests, the cash was found to be contaminated with heroin.

As a result, officers carried out an elaborate financial investigation in Safeer's criminal links.

He was convicted of money laundering offences in November last year and a confiscation hearing yesterday issued a further fine.

As well as the £28,600 cash seized in 2003, Safeer was told to hand over a further £20,000 to Cleveland Police, under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Detective Constable Kevin Robinson said last night that Safeer has four months to give up the money or he will face 12 months in prison.