Rs 69 lakh seized at Mumbai international airport, four arrested

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Dec 28, 2016: Mumbai customs sleuths on Wednesday seized around Rs 69 lakh in two separate cases, which included recovery of Rs 25 lakh in 2,000 rupee notes.

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of the customs made these seizures at the international airport here in the wee hours and four people were arrested in this connection.

In the first case, foreign currency worth over Rs 43 lakh was recovered from three passengers -- Shaikh Waheed Ali, Mohammed Sohail and Shaikh Pasha -- who arrived here from Hyderabad.

“A detailed examination of the baggage of Ali resulted in recovery of 1,39,000 Saudi Riyals, 5,65,000 UAE Dirhams and 14,000 Australian dollars,” said a customs official, adding that the total value was Rs 43.97 lakh.

The money was found wrapped in newspapers and was concealed in their check-in baggage.

The accused in their statement said they brought the foreign currency from Saudi Arabia during their visit last week but did not declare the money before the customs. “They have also said they came to Mumbai for conversion of the currency expecting good returns,” the official said.

They were arrested after a case under Customs Act and Foreign Exchange Management Act was registered against them.

In another case, Arif Koyante who was going to Dubai was arrested after Rs 25 lakh, in denominations of Rs 2,000, was seized from him.

Officials said a search of his baggage yielded 1,250 notes kept in 52 different envelopes. “These envelopes containing currency were further placed inside layers of 13 cardboards on which ready-made garments were neatly wrapped,” said the official adding that the currency was seized on the reasonable belief that it was attempted to be smuggled out of India.

A case under Customs Act and FEMA has been registered against Arif and he has admitted to possession, carriage, concealment and recovery, the official said.