Use of counterfeit money leads police to seize loaded guns associated to 2 teenagers: Mission RCMP

MISSION — Mounties in Mission say an investigation into the use of counterfeit money at a retail store has led police to seize loaded handguns from two 18-year-old males.

According to a statement from Corporal Harrison Mohr, a young male walked into a bakery at a mall on Lougheed Highway in Mission on January 18 and used a $100 bill to pay for a loaf of bread. At about the same time, another young male entered a grocery store in the same mall and bought gift cards using two $100 bills. When they later examined the currency, staff at both stores realized the money was fake. Although it felt real to the touch, the words “Prop Money” were printed in the transparent window area of the bills, and they were missing the raised tactile features which are unique to Canadian currency notes.

After viewing CCTV footage from both stores, police were able to quickly recognize both of the offenders. They were identified as two 18-year-olds from the Mission area – both of whom are known to police. Search warrants were consequently obtained for both of their homes. While one residence yielded no evidence, at the other residence – where one of the 18-year-olds was living with his parents – Mission RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit located two handguns, drugs in packaging consistent with drug trafficking, and over $10,000 in genuine Canadian currency. The guns were both loaded, and one was also equipped with a silencer.

Image: RCMP / Cash seized as part of an investigation into counterfeit money.