In a major interception at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended two individuals who were preparing to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Authorities recovered foreign exchange valued at approximately Rs 1.56 crore from their possession. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Hyderabad zonal unit of the DRI executed the operation targeting passengers scheduled to travel on an AirAsia flight.
Foreign currency concealed inside clothing
Officials stated that upon searching the cabin baggage of the male passenger, they discovered foreign currency hidden inside a black plastic cover nestled between clothes in his trolley bag. The recovered cash included 66,600 US dollars, 3,773 Malaysian ringgit, and 2 Singapore dollars, amounting to roughly Rs 63.62 लाख in equivalent value. During initial questioning, the male passenger disclosed that a female companion traveling on the same flight was also carrying foreign currency.
Second passenger caught with US dollars
Acting swiftly on the tip, DRI officers intercepted the female passenger as well. A thorough check of her cabin luggage yielded 97,600 US dollars, valued at approximately Rs 91.94 लाख. Similar to the first case, this foreign exchange was concealed within a black plastic wrap beneath her garments in a trolley bag. Neither of the two travelers could produce valid legal documents or authorizations to lawfully acquire and transport the foreign currency.
Seizure under the Customs Act
The DRI seized the entire foreign currency worth about Rs 1.56 crore along with the trolley bags used for concealment under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Officials confirmed that both passengers have been placed under arrest, though their identities have not been publicly released by the agency. Investigators are currently probing the source of the foreign currency and the precise motive behind smuggling it out of the country.
Timing of the operation and prior cases
The operation was originally conducted on October 22, with details officially released on Saturday. The accused individuals intended to board AirAsia flight AK-68 bound for Kuala Lumpur. Further investigation into the network is currently underway. In a prior operation, the DRI busted a smuggling syndicate in Mumbai, seizing precious metals, cash, and valuables worth Rs 10.48 crore originating from Africa.
