Kolkata, Nov 10 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a major smuggling attempt at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, seizing foreign currency valued at approximately Rs 3.5 crore and arresting seven individuals.
Acting on specific intelligence regarding illicit movement of foreign exchange, DRI officers carried out targeted searches at the airport terminal prior to the departure of an international flight bound for Bangkok.
The search led to the recovery of undeclared foreign currency concealed within the checked baggage and personal belongings of seven passengers. The seized currency primarily comprised US Dollars and Euros.
Official sources confirmed that none of the passengers possessed valid documentation or legal authorisation to export the foreign currency from India.
All seven individuals were taken into custody under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the foreign currency was seized on the spot.
Preliminary questioning indicates the suspects were operating as carriers for an international syndicate engaged in illegal money transfers and currency smuggling.
The accused were subsequently produced before a local magistrate and remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation.
DRI officials stated that further inquiries are underway to trace the origins of the seized funds and identify key handlers linked to the network.
–IANS
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