Hyderabad: Based on specific intelligence, officers of DRI HZU intercepted one male Indian passenger who was scheduled to depart from RGIA, Hyderabad, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by AirAsia Flight AK-68 on Friday, October 23.
During examination of his cabin baggage, foreign currency comprising USD 66,600, MYR 3,773 and SGD 2, collectively valued at approximately Rs 63.62 lakh, was recovered concealed inside a black plastic cover kept among clothes in his trolley bag.
During preliminary questioning, it was revealed that another female passenger was also travelling with him on the same flight on a different PNR. Immediately, surveillance was mounted, and the said female passenger was identified and intercepted.
Examination of her cabin baggage resulted in the recovery of USD 97,600, valued at approximately 91.94 lakh, similarly concealed inside a black plastic cover among clothes in her trolley bag.
Both passengers failed to produce documents supporting the lawful procurement and carriage of the foreign currency.
Accordingly, the entire foreign currency, valued at approximately Rs.1.56 crore*, along with the trolley bags used for concealment, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Both the passengers were arrested.
Further investigation is in progress.
