Germaine Dias

A 43-year-old city man, allegedly trying to pass a counterfeit bill, is facing drug charges after an incident Tuesday morning.

Dunkirk Police report being called to investigate an incident in which Germaine M. Dias of 350 Eagle St. attempted to use the fake money at a business. Based on a description given, Dunkirk Police located Germain M. Dias in the 300 block of Eagle Street.

As he was being asked about the counterfeit money, he allegedly pulled his money out of his pocket that included several counterfeit bills. A bag allegedly containing crack cocaine additionally fell out of his pocket. Based on this, officers conducted a search of Dias, finding and seizing more crack cocaine, cocaine powder and marijuana, as well as a significant amount of U.S. currency.

He was taken to Dunkirk Police Headquarters for booking. During the booking process, Dias was allegedly found to also have a large quantity of Alprazolam pills, a schedule IV controlled substance concealed in the pocket of a second layer of clothing.

He was charged with three counts of third-degree criminal, fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, all felonies, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

He was arraigned in Dunkirk City Court before Judge Rachel Roberts and sent to the Chautauqua County Jail without bail, but is expected to be released by Chautauqua County Court pursuant to the new legislation.