DRI Seizes Foreign Currency Worth ₹1.56 Crore at Hyderabad Airport, Arrests Two
Intelligence led operation uncovers concealed US dollars and Malaysian ringgit in the luggage of two travellers bound for Kuala Lumpur.
HYDERABAD, Oct 24: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized foreign currency worth approximately ₹1.56 crore from two passengers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad and arrested them for allegedly carrying the cash without valid supporting documents, officials said on Saturday.
According to a press release, officers of the DRI’s Hyderabad Zonal Unit acted on specific intelligence and intercepted an Indian male passenger scheduled to travel from Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 22.
A search of his cabin baggage resulted in the recovery of foreign currency, including US dollars and Malaysian ringgit, valued at approximately ₹63.62 lakh. The cash had been concealed inside a black plastic cover placed among clothes in his trolley bag, the agency said.
During preliminary questioning, investigators learnt that a female passenger was also booked on the same flight under a separate passenger name record (PNR). Acting on this information, the officers kept her under surveillance before intercepting her for further examination.
A search of her cabin baggage led to the recovery of USD 97,600, equivalent to approximately ₹91.94 lakh. The currency was concealed in a similar manner inside a black plastic cover among clothes in her trolley bag, officials said.
The two passengers were unable to produce documents establishing the lawful procurement and transportation of the foreign currency, according to the DRI.
The agency subsequently seized the entire consignment, valued at around ₹1.56 crore, along with the trolley bags used to conceal the cash. The seizure was carried out under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Both passengers have been arrested, and further investigation is under way to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted transportation of the foreign currency and determine whether additional individuals were involved.
The DRI has not disclosed further details about the source of the money or its intended use. The investigation is continuing to establish the full circumstances of the case.
