Danish police have seized valuables from asylum seekers for the first time since a controversial law went into force five months ago.

National police spokesman Per Fiig said the two men and three women carried dollars and euros worth about 129,600 kroner (£14,400). They were arrested late on Tuesday at Copenhagen’s airport for using forged passports.

Fiig said the group, aged between 26 and 35, immediately sought asylum.

Under the controversial law, police are allowed to search asylum seekers on arrival in the country and confiscate any non-essential items worth more than 10,000 kroner that have no sentimental value to their owner.

Denmark’s centre-right government said at the time the procedure was intended to cover each asylum seeker’s housing and food costs while their cases are being processed, and mimics the handling of Danish citizens on welfare.

Critics say the legislation is an attempt to reduce Denmark’s appeal to migrants and is degrading and inhumane.