Governor of Mudug region Mohamed Yusuf Jama Tigey said security forces in Garsoor neighbourhood of Galkayo seized counterfeit US and Somali money on Monday (October 29th).
The counterfeit money, totalling $135,000 and 9 million Somali shillings ($5,600), was seized after regional investigators received information about the money from neighbourhood residents.
"Security forces are investigating the owners who escaped the residence," Tigey told Sabahi. "The money was burned in a public place on the same day in plain view of the residents."
He said Galkayo residents are willing to work with the regional administration to present a united front against anyone with a destabilising agenda. He cautioned against inadvertently receiving fake currency that permeates the local markets at times.
"Security forces are engaged in plans to enhance security and their increased efforts have led to better security in Galkayo," Tigey said.
The Mudug administration and police in Puntland have in recent months engaged in operations to combat piracy, al-Shabaab and drug trafficking that were prevalent in Galkayo.
