Drugs, guns seized after teenagers caught using $100 bills labelled ‘prop money,’ RCMP say

Mission RCMP seized two loaded handguns, drugs in packaging consistent with drug trafficking, and over $10,000 in cash. (Courtesy: RCMP)

Two teenagers busted for allegedly using fake cash have led police to a home in Mission, B.C., where an assortment of guns, drugs and a large wad of real cash was seized.

On Jan. 18, two 18-year-old men entered a mall in the 32500 block of Lougheed Highway and used fake $100 bills with the words “Prop Money” printed in the transparent window area, Mission RCMP said in a release issued Wednesday.

One suspect had used a bill to pay for a loaf of bread at a bakery, while the other had bought gift cards using two bills at a grocery store, the release said.

“Upon later examination, staff at both businesses realized that the bills were fake,” said police, adding that the dupes were also missing the raised tactile features, unique to genuine Canadian currency notes.

Through CCTV footage police identified both of the suspects, who were known to each other and to the police, and obtained search warrants for both of their homes.

At one Mission home, where one of the teenagers lived with his parents, two loaded handguns - one equipped with a silencer - drugs in packaging consistent with drug trafficking, and over $10,000 in genuine cash were found, the RCMP said.

Forensic testing will be carried out to determine whether either of the firearms are linked to any known offences, said police. Charges for both men are being recommended.

“Mission RCMP reminds anyone taking cash as payment to verify the bills are authentic, especially when accepting larger denominations,” said police in the statement.

“If you determine after-the-fact that you accepted a counterfeit bill, retain the bill and notify police immediately.”

Anyone with more information about the incidents is asked to call Mission RCMP at 604-826-7161, and quote file number 25-742.