DRI Seizes ₹1.56 Crore Foreign Currency, Arrests Two at Hyderabad Airport

Both passengers were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized foreign currency estimated at ₹1.56 crore at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA).

The DRI said further investigation is underway.

Interception before Kuala Lumpur flight

The seizure followed the interception of a male Indian passenger who was preparing to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on AirAsia flight AK-68 on Thursday (October 22, 2026).

The DRI Hyderabad Zonal Unit acted on specific intelligence and stopped the passenger before departure.

A search of his cabin baggage led to the recovery of $66,600, MYR 3,773 and SGD 2.

The currencies were collectively valued at approximately ₹63.62 lakh.

According to the DRI, the currency was allegedly concealed inside a black plastic cover placed among clothes in the passenger’s trolley bag.

During preliminary questioning, the passenger reportedly disclosed that a female passenger was also travelling on the same flight, although she had booked her journey under a different PNR.

Second passenger placed under surveillance

DRI officers subsequently placed the woman under surveillance and intercepted her before the flight’s departure.

A search of her cabin baggage led to the recovery of $97,600, which was valued at approximately ₹91.94 lakh.

The currency was similarly concealed inside a black plastic cover among clothes in her trolley bag, according to the DRI.

The agency said neither passenger could produce documents supporting the lawful procurement and carriage of the foreign currency.

The DRI seized the entire recovered amount, comprising $1,64,200, MYR 3,773 and SGD 2.

The trolley bags allegedly used to conceal the currency were also seized.

Together, the two recoveries were estimated at ₹1.56 crore, leading to action against both passengers under the Customs Act, 1962.

Source: The Hindu