The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ahmedabad Zonal Unit, in coordination with the Customs Department at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, seized undeclared foreign currency valued at Rs. 50.62 lakh from an Indian passenger attempting to board a flight to Dubai on Tuesday.
Sources revealed that the operation was initiated based on actionable intelligence received by the DRI, indicating a potential attempt to smuggle substantial amounts of foreign currency out of India. Acting on this tip-off, officials from both the DRI and Customs promptly intercepted the individual at the airport as they prepared to board IndiGo flight No. 6E-1477 bound for Dubai.
During a meticulous search of the passenger’s checked-in luggage and personal belongings, authorities discovered foreign currency worth ₹50.62 lakh. The seized cash comprised €30,000 and US $22,500, which had been carefully concealed using black adhesive tape inside the suitcase, suggesting a deliberate attempt to evade detection.
“The concealment method and the passenger’s travel pattern indicate that this may be part of a larger network involved in illegal outward remittances or hawala transactions,” an official stated. “The passenger’s failure to declare the currency as mandated by law, coupled with its hidden packaging, points to deliberate smuggling activity.”
The confiscated currency has been seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and relevant sections of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 2016. The individual has been detained for questioning, and further investigations are underway to identify the origin of the funds and trace potential beneficiaries or accomplices in Dubai.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the foreign currency, exceeding Rs. 50 lakh in value, might have been intended for use in offshore transactions outside the legal financial system. Investigators are now examining the passenger’s past travel records, digital communications, and banking transactions to determine the full scope of the operation.
Officials confirmed that the probe is ongoing, and further developments are expected as authorities work to dismantle any potential networks involved in such illicit remittances.
