Nearly half a million in fake Canadian dollars found in fentanyl bust

The money may have been fake, but the drugs, guns, and ammunition were as real as it gets.

A couple were busted by the Calgary Police Service last month, being arrested during a traffic stop in northeast Calgary on October 12, according to a release from the Calgary Police Service.

During the stop, police found 100 fentanyl pills, $58,000 in fake Canadian cash, a handgun, and more items relating to drug dealing.

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Behrooz Rafizada, 27, and Jocelynn Saliba, 28, were arrested and a search was conducted on their residence.

Police then found over 1,000 fentanyl pills, multiple pill presses, a 12-gauge shotgun, nearly $430,000 in fake currency, large-scale printers for printing fake money, counterfeit Canadian currency reflective strips, and other drug related items.

Counterfeit Canadian currency reflective strips (Calgary Police Service)

The couple faces 59 charges in relation to drug trafficking, firearms, and production of a controlled substance.

The charges include those under the newly established Provincial Legislation for Pharmacy and Drugs Act, which makes it illegal to own, operate, or possess pill-making equipment without a license. The act states that a first time offender will receive a maximum fine up to $50,000.

“The CPS aims to address root causes of crime through crime reduction strategies and community partnerships to ensure Calgary remains a safe place to live,” the release read.