A fast-thinking Oceanside RCMP officer made two arrests while investigating an alleged theft in Qualicum Beach.
But the arrests weren’t about the possible theft — instead, they were in relation to counterfeit American currency.
According to a news release by Cpl. Jesse Foreman, the officer spotted a familiar face driving by him in a van at about 11:15 a.m. on Aug. 2.
“The female driver, who is well known to the officer, had outstanding arrest warrants prompting the officer to stop the van,” said Foreman.
In the van was a 45-year-old woman from Coombs, and a 37-year-old man of no fixed address.
They both had outstanding arrest warrants in relation to a rash of attempts by suspects to use fake U.S. currency in the French Creek area in mid-July.
Oceanside RCMP released information July 13 that a 29-year-old Qualicum Beach man had been arrested in downtown Parksville for allegedly trying to use a counterfeit U.S. bill at a French Creek business.
The 29-year-old was in possession of drugs and a “significant quantity of U.S. counterfeit bills in $5, $10 and $20 denominations.”
Other businesses also reported that suspects had attempted to pass counterfeit U.S. bills July 12.
The woman and man arrested Aug. 2 are accused of Possession and Uttering Counterfeit Currency in relation to July incidents.
“This was sharp work on the officer’s part in recognizing a well-known prolific offender and making a safe arrest,” said Staff Sgt. Marc Pelletier in Foreman’s news release.
— Oceanside RCMP