Police ranks yesterday conducted a roadblock on Helena Public Road at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, when the ranks observed a car bearing registration number PAB 5372, coming off the Mahaica bridge and turning north onto the old road.
The ranks became suspicious and one of them (a Police Corporal) pursued the car which was stopped and escorted to the roadblock. A search was then conducted on the vehicle and a male passenger (age, correct name, and occupation unknown at this time), was the lone occupant seated in the front passenger seat. The passenger was asked to declare the property he had in his pocket and he took out a quantity of Guyana currency comprising five thousand dollar bills.
While the ranks were making a physical check of the currency/bills which were suspected to be counterfeit, the man made a sudden run into a nearby street and made good his escape. The ranks gave chase but he managed to escape.
The driver of the vehicle, Shiv Dalchand, a 31-year-old Taxi Driver from Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was searched but nothing of evidential value was found. He was arrested and placed in custody pending investigations, and the car was lodged.
The suspected forged currency was counted and amounted to $280,000. There were also $13,000 cash (Guyana Currency) which were of $1000, $500, $100, and $20 notes. The investigation is continuing.
