Fake euros and cannabis tracked by SBA police

SBA police in Akrotiri have tracked down 24 fake €200 notes and 41 grams of cannabis after chasing a suspicious vehicle and seeing one of its passengers throw the items out the window.

“The incident took place on Sunday when two SBA patrol cars went to the Livadi area after receiving information that poaching was taking place,” said Andreas Pitsillides, SBA Deputy Police Chief.

“A black saloon car with no licence plates, carrying two passengers was seen in the area. As soon as the suspects saw the police they sped off,” Pitsillides added.

A car chase followed, but the suspect vehicle managed to escape, driving at a high speed towards Zakaki village. During the chase, the person sitting on the passenger seat of the black vehicle was seen throwing something out the window.

Following investigation, it was found that it was a nylon bag containing 41 grams of cannabis and 24 high-quality fake €200 notes. The banknotes were checked twice on SBA police equipment. On the first occasion they were identified as fake, while the second time they passed as authentic. The SBA then sent the banknotes to a bank for a more specialised check.

“Although the SBA police are convinced these are high-quality fake banknotes, which can trick some tracking devices, the confiscated notes will be sent to the headquarters of the Republic’s police for specialised tests, as well as DNA tests,” Pitsillides said.

SBA police continues to investigate the case and in co-operation with the Republic’s Police, efforts are being made to track down the vehicle and its owner.

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