Vancouver, Canada -- A 40-year-old man faces a charge of possession of counterfeit currency after he was caught at the Vancouver International Airport trying to smuggle $54,700 in fake U.S. 100 dollar bills in his checked luggage.

The amount is nearly a third of the $179,000 in fake American money seized in B.C. so far this year.

The man was searched on Sept. 16th upon arriving on a flight from Ghana, West Africa. Canada border services say his appearance and behaviour, along with information acquired prior to his arrival, led to the search and the discovery of the phony money.

“The notes were missing key security features present in genuine U.S. currency,” said U.S. secret service agent John Liao, who was called in from the American embassy to assist in examining the fake bills.

“I’ve seen better fakes, and I’ve seen worse.”

Richmond RCMP is investigating whether the counterfeit money is linked to organized crime. The suspect is due to appear in court on Oct. 4.