MELAKA: Detectives from Alor Gajah managed to nab a couple from Perak allegedly using fake currency to go on shopping sprees – thanks to the owner of a pair of Persian cats.

       OCPD Supt Arshad Abu said the two suspects were arrested at their home in Simpang Pulai, Ipoh, on Wednesday after they used the same counterfeit notes to buy the cats from a 56-year-old retired teacher on Dec 11 at the Ayer Keroh toll plaza.

       “The teacher from Bukit Beruang lodged a police report as the sale transaction was conducted at the toll plaza which comes under our jurisdiction,” he said.

       Supt Arshad said the teacher was offered RM2,600 for his pet cats and the couple promised to pay him in cash.

       He said the couple handed over the fake currency in several denominations to the teacher and took possession of the cats.

       Supt Arshad said the teacher felt something amiss when the currency notes were not accepted by a pet trader in Skudai, Johor, on Dec 12.

       “Acting on the report, we managed to trace the couple, aged 22 and 24, and arrested them at a home in Kampung Kepayang, Simpang Pulai.

       “Both of them tested positive for drugs and they have previous records, all related to drugs,” he said.

       Supt Arshad said initial investigations showed the couple had been using fake notes for shopping and other transactions.