Customs seize foreign currency worth ₹11.64 lakh from passenger bound for Bangkok

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Ahmedabad Customs seized undeclared foreign currency amounting to ₹11.64 lakh from a passenger travelling from Ahmedabad to Bangkok.

The seizure was made on January 12, based on specific intelligence inputs. Acting on the information, AIU officers intercepted a male passenger at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport as he was preparing to board Thai Lion Air flight SL-213 to Bangkok.

During a thorough examination of the passenger’s baggage, Customs officials recovered a total of 325 foreign currency notes concealed inside. The seized currency comprised 217 British Pound notes valued at ₹5.77 lakh, Euro notes valued at ₹3.47 lakh, and 41 Australian Dollar notes valued at ₹2,40 lakh. The cumulative value of the undeclared foreign currency was assessed at ₹11.64 lakh.

Officials stated that the passenger had failed to declare the foreign currency to the Customs authorities, in clear violation of the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, as read with the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) Regulations, 2015. The currency was accordingly seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act.

Sources said the interception was part of intensified intelligence-led surveillance by customs officials to curb the illegal movement of foreign exchange through international airports. The passenger was detained for questioning, and investigators are examining the source of the foreign currency as well as the purpose for which it was being carried.

Customs officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether the seizure is linked to any organised foreign exchange racket or other violations of financial regulations.