Kolkata Customs’ Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted two Indian passengers at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport), Kolkata, on August 19, 2026, in connection with a suspected foreign-currency violation.
The passengers were intercepted while travelling on Flight TG 314 operating from Kolkata (CCU) to Bangkok (BKK). During a detailed search of their baggage, Customs officers recovered foreign currency amounting to USD 1,30,000, with the value stated at approximately â‚ą1,22,59,000.
The substantial cash recovery triggered further action by the Customs authorities, who seized the currency and detained the passengers for examination and investigation under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
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AIU Intercepts Passengers Before Departure
According to the information available, the interception was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit of Kolkata Customs as part of its airport surveillance and enforcement activity. The passengers were travelling on the Kolkata-Bangkok sector when Customs officials conducted the baggage search.
The recovery of USD 1.30 lakh in cash raised concerns regarding the circumstances in which such a large amount of foreign currency was being carried and whether the passengers had complied with the applicable legal and regulatory requirements governing the movement of foreign exchange.
Customs officials proceeded to detain both the passengers as well as the recovered currency for further investigation.
Currency Seized Under Customs Law
The foreign currency, valued at approximately â‚ą1.22 crore, has been taken into Customs custody. The action has been initiated under the Customs Act, 1962, which empowers Customs authorities to intervene where goods or currency are suspected to have been improperly imported, exported, concealed, or otherwise dealt with in contravention of applicable law.
The seizure is significant given the high value of the foreign currency involved. Customs authorities are expected to examine the source of the currency, its intended destination and purpose, the circumstances of its possession, and the passengers’ compliance with the applicable foreign-exchange and customs requirements.
Investigation Underway
The interception and seizure do not, by themselves, establish that the passengers have committed a violation. The precise nature of the alleged contravention and the circumstances surrounding the movement of the currency will depend upon the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Customs authorities are conducting further inquiries into the transaction and the circumstances in which the currency was being carried on the Kolkata-Bangkok flight. Statements and supporting documents may also be examined as part of the investigation.
The department has stated that further investigation is underway. Depending on the findings, Customs authorities may take such further action as is permissible under the applicable legal provisions.
â‚ą1.22 Crore Recovery Highlights Airport Currency Surveillance
The seizure underscores the role of Customs’ Air Intelligence Units in monitoring international passenger movements and detecting suspected violations involving high-value goods and foreign currency.
The recovery of USD 1,30,000, equivalent to approximately â‚ą1,22,59,000, from baggage at a major international airport represents a substantial enforcement action. The case will now turn on the documentary and other evidence collected during the investigation and the explanation offered by the passengers regarding possession and intended movement of the foreign currency.
The final legal consequences, if any, will depend upon the findings of the Customs investigation and proceedings undertaken in accordance with law.
