Counterfeit $100 bills covered in a mysterious white powder have been causing a stir at an Albertsons supermarket in Orange County. The incidents, which occurred on two separate occasions this month, have left employees feeling dizzy and prompted a police investigation.
The first instance of the fake bills turning up was on February 7, when two employees discovered the counterfeit money on the floor of a shopping aisle at the Irvine supermarket. The bills were found to be dusted with a white powder, which raised concerns among the workers.
After turning in the suspicious bills to their store manager, the employees began to feel dizzy, leading to a response from police and a hazmat crew. Although emergency responders determined that the workers were healthy, they were taken to a hospital as a precaution.
Further testing revealed that the white powder on the bills contained ephedrine, a legal stimulant that can be used in the production of illegal methamphetamine. Despite the presence of the substance, the store was inspected and deemed safe for the public.
However, authorities advised caution and urged people to be mindful of picking up suspicious items from the ground. Police are currently investigating the incidents and are working closely with Albertsons to address the situation.
In a separate incident on February 10, more counterfeit $100 bills were found at the same Albertsons location, although these bills did not contain any white powder. Shoppers discovered the fake currency in shopping carts and reported it to authorities.
The Irvine Police Department continues to investigate the counterfeit money and is urging the public to remain vigilant. Albertsons has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.
The incidents serve as a reminder to stay cautious and report any suspicious activity or items to local authorities. It is important to prioritize safety and security in public spaces to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
