Man arrested after paying with fake €50 note—police find drugs and weapons at home

A 32-year-old man was arrested in Hagenow after trying to pay for medication with a fake €50 note. Pharmacy staff spotted the counterfeit bill due to missing security features and alerted the police. Officers later found more forged notes, drugs, and weapons at his home.

The incident began when an employee at a local pharmacy noticed something wrong with the €50 note. The bill lacked key security elements, making it easy to identify as fake. Police were called immediately, leading to the man's arrest.

During a search of his home, officers uncovered over a dozen counterfeit €20 and €50 notes. They also found a printer, holographic foil, and materials that could be used to produce fake money. In addition, narcotics, blank-firing guns, and a rifle were seized from the property.

The Ludwigslust District Court later suspended the arrest warrant but imposed strict conditions on the suspect. He now faces multiple charges, including circulating counterfeit currency, drug offences, and violations of firearms and weapons laws. Police had previously warned about forged banknotes in Hagenow, suggesting a wider issue in the area.

Pharmacies across Germany have reported a rise in counterfeit money being used for payments in recent times. Authorities continue to investigate whether the seized equipment is linked to other fake notes in circulation.

The suspect remains under investigation for producing and using counterfeit cash, as well as weapons and drug offences. Police are examining whether the printer and foil found at his home connect to other fake banknotes in the region. The case highlights ongoing concerns about forged currency in local businesses.