Three more counterfeit currency reports have surfaced in the region over the last week and a bit.
Monday, March 19th, saw general duty officers enter another investigation focusing on the production and distribution of counterfeit Canadian $100 bills.
A Prince George RCMP Municipal Traffic Services member conducted a vehicle stop on the 1700 block of 8th Avenue in PG following a suspicious vehicle report. Two of the five occupants in the vehicle were arrested for counterfeit-related offences through investigation. Officers seized 17 $50 US bills.
The next day, March 23rd, a search warrant was executed at a motel room in Bear Lake, about 70 kilometres north of PG. Evidence of the production of counterfeit currency was seized, including more than $8,000 in counterfeit Canadian $100 bills and over $2,500 in counterfeit American $50 bills, which were all seized.
This investigation resulted in nearly $12,000 in both Canadian and American counterfeit cash being seized by PG RCMP.
Cole Patrick McIntyre-Hartwick, 20, has been charged with the following:
- Production of Counterfeit Currency;
- Distribution of Counterfeit Currency;
- Offer to Sell Counterfeit Money; and
- Use Counterfeit Money as if it were Genuine (3 counts)
McIntyre-Hartwick appeared in Provincial Court on Monday, March 26th, and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance scheduled April 25th, 2018.
A female under the age of 18 was also charged with:
- Production of Counterfeit Currency; and
- Possession of Counterfeit Currency
She will appear in court at a later date after being released on documents at her Provincial Court hearing March 26th.
Investigators believe about $2,000 in counterfeit Canadian $100 bills are still circulating in Prince George. The bills all have the same serial number, EKR2223601. The investigation is continuing and RCMP say more arrests and charges are possible. This investigation is not associated with a prior College Heights counterfeit investigation.
Police are asking everyone in the community to check all bills, Canadian and American, received to ensure its authenticity. Canadian currency has security features to help detect counterfeit cash which is detailed here.
Anyone with information is being asked to contact PG RCMP or Crimestoppers.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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