Chennai: Customs officials seized foreign currency in US dollars worth Rs 9.6 lakh at Chennai International Airport on Sunday. Based on a tip-off, Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) sleuths of the Customs department the foiled the bid to smuggle the notes from Chennai to Singapore on Sunday morning.
Officials, who have intensified the vigil at the departure terminal, intercepted Sarbuteen Ali, 58, of Chennai, who was bound for Singapore by Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL126 on suspicion of carrying foreign currency when he was proceeding towards security hold area after clearing immigration and customs.
After questioning him if he had any valuables to declare, the officials checked his hand baggage.
On examination $2,000 in the 50 denomination were found concealed inside the baggage. Later, his check-in baggage was also recalled from the airline and examined.
On examination $12,000 in denominations of 50 and 100 were found concealed among his personal effects.
In total $14,000 worth `9.6 lakhs were recovered from him. The officials have seized foreign currencies under provisions of Customs Act 1962 and FEMA 2015.
