Neyyar: A local counterfeit currency gang has been busted here in Thiruvananthapuram district. A vendor helped catch three local youth who were reportedly in the habit of using fake currency to buy cigarettes.

Shajahan from Kallode and accomplices Arshad and Saud from Kuttichal, Kottoor, were arrested by the Neyyar Dam Police.

The vendor grew suspicious when Shajahan handed over notes that looked bogus after buying cigarettes on Sunday.

The vendor alerted locals about the currency and restrained Shajahan until police arrived. Ink and equipment used to print notes were recovered later.

About 10 fake currencies in Rs 100 and 200 denominations were also found.

A detailed inquiry will be held to ascertain if there are more people involved in the gang, the police said.

Fake currency gangs are active in the area. Recently, Kattakkada Police had arrested a gang with fake Rs 500 notes from a market with the help of vendors.