Hyderabad, Oct 24 : The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized foreign currency worth approximately Rs 1.56 crore at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad and arrested two passengers in connection with the case, officials said on Saturday.
The seizure was made on October 22 following specific intelligence about the suspected illegal carriage of foreign currency on a flight from Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to the DRI, officers from its Hyderabad Zonal Unit intercepted an Indian male passenger before his departure. A search of his cabin baggage led to the recovery of foreign currency, including US dollars and Malaysian ringgit, worth around Rs 63.62 lakh. The currency was concealed inside a black plastic cover among clothes in his trolley bag.
During questioning, officials learned that a female passenger was also travelling on the same flight under a different passenger name record (PNR). The officers placed her under surveillance and later intercepted her.
A search of her cabin baggage resulted in the recovery of USD 97,600, valued at approximately Rs 91.94 lakh. The foreign currency was concealed in a similar manner inside her trolley bag.
The DRI said both passengers failed to provide documents establishing the lawful procurement and carriage of the foreign currency.
Officials seized the entire consignment, valued at around Rs 1.56 crore, along with the trolley bags used to conceal the cash, under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Both passengers have been arrested, and further investigation is underway to determine the source of the foreign currency and the circumstances surrounding its attempted transportation to Malaysia.
