CounterfeitCurrency – Fake ₹500 Notes Found During Bank Deposit in Kannur
CounterfeitCurrency – A case involving counterfeit currency has come under investigation in Kerala’s Kannur district after several fake ₹500 notes were discovered during a cash deposit transaction at a private bank. The incident has prompted local police to examine how the forged notes entered circulation and eventually reached the banking system.
Fake Notes Detected During Routine Verification
The matter surfaced on May 29 when a resident of the Echur area visited a private bank branch to deposit money into her savings account. According to officials, she submitted a total amount of ₹4.26 lakh. During the standard verification process, bank employees identified eight ₹500 notes that appeared to be counterfeit.
Following established procedures, the suspicious currency notes were separated from the remaining cash and handed over to law enforcement authorities for further examination.
Police Register Case After Bank Complaint
Authorities confirmed that the investigation began after the bank manager filed an official complaint. Speaking on the development, Kannur Town Police stated that a case had been registered and inquiries were underway to determine the origin of the counterfeit notes.
Investigators are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the deposit and examining possible channels through which the forged currency may have entered circulation.
No Immediate Evidence Against Depositor
Police officials indicated that, at this stage, there is no information suggesting the woman knowingly attempted to deposit counterfeit money. Preliminary findings point to the possibility that the fake notes may have reached her through regular financial transactions involving another individual or source.
As part of the investigation, officers are tracing the movement of the currency and attempting to identify whether additional people may be connected to the circulation of the forged notes.
Major Anti-Drug Operations Conducted Across Kerala
In a separate development, enforcement agencies recently carried out large-scale anti-narcotics operations across multiple locations in Kerala. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), through its Cochin Unit, conducted coordinated actions under Operation Chakravyuh in Kochi, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram.
The operations resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of banned narcotic and psychotropic substances, including methaqualone, methamphetamine and hashish oil. Authorities believe the substances were intended for illegal distribution and trafficking activities.
Multiple Smuggling Methods Uncovered
Officials reported that more than 24 kilograms of narcotic and psychotropic substances were recovered during the operations. Five individuals allegedly linked to trafficking networks were taken into custody under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Investigators found that smugglers had used several methods to transport the contraband. These included concealment within passenger baggage at airports, courier shipments and export cargo consignments destined for international routes.
Continued Focus on Organized Crime Networks
The latest seizures underline the ongoing efforts of enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking activities operating through domestic and international channels. Authorities said the operations reflect continued monitoring and intelligence-based action against organized criminal networks involved in narcotics trade.
Data from the previous financial year further highlights the scale of enforcement activity in the state. During that period, the DRI’s Cochin Zonal Unit seized narcotic and psychotropic substances valued at approximately ₹70.76 crore across Kerala. A total of 21 individuals were arrested in connection with various cases registered under the NDPS Act.