A persistent pursuer of pot unwittingly called an on-duty St. Cloud police officer in an attempt to seal a deal, leading to two suspects being arrested and the confiscation of thousands of dollars in counterfeit cash, authorities said Monday.

A 27-year-old Shoreview man and a 21-year-old cohort from St. Cloud were arrested after a meeting was arranged following the calls, which began about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, police said. They remain jailed pending charges.

According to police:

A patrol officer in his squad car received a call from someone he didn't know trying to buy a pound of marijuana. The calls continued, and a meeting was arranged in the 1100 block of 15th Avenue S. between officers and the caller.

At the meeting's outset, the suspects ran away but were soon caught.

Officers seized $3,060 in phony money and a small amount of marijuana.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482