Mystery as fake $100 bills laced with dizzying white powder keep showing up in wealthy California city
Counterfeit $100 bills dusted with a white powder have surfaced at a supermarket in Irvine, leaving employees feeling dizzy and prompting a police investigation.
According to the Irvine Police Department, the suspicious bills were discovered twice this month at an Albertsons store on Quail Hill Parkway — first on Feb. 7 and again on Feb. 10.
In the initial incident, two employees found the fake $100 bills on the floor of a shopping aisle. The bills were coated with a white powder. After turning them in to a store manager, both workers began to feel dizzy, leading authorities and a hazmat team to respond.
Emergency responders evaluated the employees on site and determined they were not in immediate danger. The workers later chose to visit a hospital as a precaution, police said.
Tests conducted by hazmat crews revealed the powder contained ephedrine, a legal stimulant that can be used in the production of methamphetamine and may be harmful if misused, said public information officer Ziggy Azarcon.
Health department officials inspected the store afterward and determined it was safe to remain open to the public.
Azarcon urged residents to use caution when picking up unfamiliar items. “Be mindful of what you’re picking up,” he said. “If something looks suspicious, call your local authorities.”
A second group of counterfeit $100 bills was found days later at the same location, this time in shopping carts. Those bills did not contain any powder, police said.
Shoppers reported the discovery to authorities, and the investigation into the fake currency is ongoing.
A representative for Albertsons said the company is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
About Post Author
