Hyderabad Airport: DRI seizes ₹1.56 crore in foreign currency

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Hyderabad Zonal Unit seized foreign currency worth approximately ₹1.56 crore from two passengers at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The interception occurred on October 22 and 23 as the individuals were preparing to board an AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Acting on specific intelligence, officers first intercepted a male passenger. A search of his cabin baggage revealed USD 66,600, 3,773 Malaysian ringgit, and 2 Singapore dollars, totaling roughly ₹63.62 lakh. The currency was found concealed in a black plastic cover among clothes in his trolley bag.

Following preliminary questioning, officials identified a female passenger traveling on the same flight under a separate passenger name record (PNR). Surveillance led to her interception, where officers recovered USD 97,600, valued at approximately ₹91.94 lakh, also concealed in a similar manner.

Both passengers were arrested after failing to provide documentation for the lawful procurement and carriage of the funds. The DRI seized the entire currency haul and the trolley bags used for concealment under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. An investigation is ongoing to determine the source and purpose of the funds.