CHENNAI: A German citizen travelling with a GPS device in his baggage was detained in the Chennai airport on Sunday.

The security officers were checking the passengers who were about to board the flight to Andaman on Sunday. During routine checks of passengers and their belongings, officials detected a GPS device inside the luggage of a foreign passenger.

The passenger was identified as Louis Andrews (45), a German tourist. Security officials stopped him for questioning. He reportedly told authorities that he had arrived in Chennai from Germany about a month ago on a tourist visa, had travelled to several places in Tamil Nadu, and was now heading to the Andaman Islands. He claimed he had brought the GPS device with him from Germany and that no objection had been raised earlier.

However, officials said carrying certain GPS-enabled equipment on flights is restricted under aviation security regulations. His explanation was not accepted, and his Andaman journey was cancelled, citing security rules. The GPS device was seized, and Louis was handed over to the airport police for further action.

The police have registered a case and are examining Louis's travel history over the past month, including the places he visited and where he stayed and verifying his background.