Foreign currency worth Rs 23 lakh seized from flier at Hyderabad airport

Saudi Riyals and UAE Dirhams worth nearly Rs 23 lakhs were seized from a Dubai-bound flier, who was allegedly trying to export the foreign currency illegally, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here, DRI officials said on Monday.

The passenger was intercepted on a tip-off by sleuths of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence after he had cleared immigration and security checks was to board an Air India flight last night, DRI (Hyderabad Zonal Unit) Additional Director General M K Singh said.

On examination of his baggage, foreign currency in the form of Saudi Riyals and UAE Dirhams was found, and the passenger on interrogation stated that the currency was obtained from unauthorised dealers and does not belong to him, Singh said in a release.

He further stated that it was being carried on behest of someone for delivery in Dubai.

The foreign currency was obtained from unauthorised dealers or persons in violation of FEMA and regulations made there under and was attempted to be exported illegally, in contravention of the prohibition imposed under Customs Act, the senior officer said.

"The foreign currency, worth around Rs 23 lakh in Indian rupees, was seized. Further investigation in the case is in progress," Singh added.