Foreign currency valued at Rs 1.04 cr seized in city

Based on intelligence that foreign currency was likely to be smuggled out of India by passengers bound for Dubai, Air intelligence officers maintained a strict vigil at departure terminal. Six passengers, Mansoor Ali Khan (27), Yakalik (68), Thameem Ansari (49), Mohamad Hussain (30), and Yousuf (67), all of Chennai and Abdul Rahman (38), of Pudur, were intercepted and searched.

On examination of their backpacks, many power banks were found which appeared to be heavy. Breaking open them, the officials found foreign currency bundles inside which were recovered. Foreign currency was also recovered from the pockets of their backpacks. US dollar worth Rs 53.5 lakh, Saudi Riyals worth Rs 28.3 lakh and Euros worth Rs 22.2 lakh, totally equivalent to Rs 1.04 crore were recovered and seized under the Customs Act (read with Foreign Exchange Management).

One Thameem Ansari, whose individual seizure value crossed Rs 20 lakhs was arrested. Further investigation is under progress.