(TAP) – The National Guard units of Menzel Fersi, Monastir governorate, on Tuesday, dismantled a band of criminals composed of three individuals, in coordination with the national guards of Teboulba,

The band, operating in the governorates of Monastir and Mahdia, is specialised in making Tunisian and foreign counterfeit banknotes and false stamps.

According to a statement issued by the Interior Ministry on Wednesday, one of the members of the gang of criminals is a "takfiriste classified dangerous". He admitted having sold counterfeit 50-dinar notes in drug trafficking.

Another individual of the band is subject of four search warrants for having issued an uncovered cheque and sentenced to 8 years in prison, the statement said.

Searches were carried out in the homes of the suspects and counterfeit notes worth 3,800 dinars were seized. Other sums of money in foreign currency were also seized.

Besides, equipment used in falsification operations, including computer equipment and falsified stamps of tourist and administrative institutions were also seized. The three suspects were placed in custody.