$100K in counterfeit cash seized in Canada from China, headed for N.S.: police

The CBSA and RCMP seized over $100K in counterfeit Canadian currency following interceptions of suspicious shipments from China destined for Glace Bay, N.S.

More than $100,000 in counterfeit Canadian currency has been seized in a joint operation between the Canada Border Services Agency and the Nova Scotia RCMP.

The investigation began earlier this year when CBSA officers halted suspicious shipments that were sent from China, according to the RCMP.

On Jan. 9, officers at Mirabel International Airport in Quebec uncovered a package containing counterfeit holographic stickers mimicking security features on Canadian currency, police say.

Later, on Jan. 27, at an international cargo facility in Mississauga, Ont., CBSA officers seized roughly $30,000 worth of counterfeit $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills.

Both shipments were directed to the same address in Glace Bay, N.S.

The intercepted counterfeit goods were quickly reported to the Nova Scotia RCMP, which says it initiated a further investigation with the Bank of Canada.

On Feb. 11, police say authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in Glace Bay, where officers found approximately $70,000 in counterfeit bills, additional counterfeit holographic stickers, electronic devices and a rifle.

“Unfortunately, counterfeit money is in circulation across the country,” Cpl. Mitch Thompson of the RCMP’s commercial crime section said in a statement. “When printed on polymer, some fake bills may look real if you don’t pay attention to the security features embedded in legitimate currency.”