Mission RCMP seize cash, guns after looking into bogus $100 bills

The Mission RCMP says two 18-year-olds are facing possible charges after an investigation last month into counterfeit money turned up two loaded guns.

Mounties say they were tipped off after two businesses in a mall on Lougheed Highway discovered they were given bogus $100 bills.

On Jan. 18, police allege that one of the young men bought a loaf of bread from a bakery, and the other bought gift cards from a grocery store — both using supposed $100 bills.

“Although they 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 genuine Canadian currency notes,” police explained.

Investigators checked out CCTV cameras, identified two teen suspects from the Mission area and searched their homes.

One turned up nothing but, in the other, Mounties say they found illicit drugs, loaded guns — one equipped with a silencer — and $10,000 in cash.

Police are reminding any business or person accepting cash as a payment to verify that the bills are authentic, “especially when accepting larger denominations.”

If you believe you’ve accepted a counterfeit bill, or have any information about the the incidents, you’re asked to call the Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161.