Customs seizes $40,000 hidden in hand baggage at Ahmedabad airport from flier bound for Dubai

Customs officials at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Sunday seized US $40,000 (approximately ₹35.10 lakh) from a passenger who was attempting to depart for Dubai, after personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) flagged suspicious activity during security checks.

According to officials, CISF staff intercepted the passenger in the departure area as he was preparing to board flight SG-15 to Dubai on November 16. During a detailed examination of his hand baggage, officers discovered two white envelopes concealed within a compartment of the bag. Each envelope was found to contain bundles of undeclared US currency that collectively amounted to $40,000.

Customs officials said the recovery constitutes a clear violation of the Customs Act, 1962 as well as provisions under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) governing the movement of foreign currency out of India. The passenger was unable to provide any valid declaration or documentation for transporting such a large amount of foreign currency.

“The foreign currency was recovered in a concealed manner and has been seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act and FEMA. The passenger is being questioned to ascertain the source of the funds and the purpose for which the currency was being taken out of the country,” a senior officer said.

Officials added that further investigation is under way, including verification of possible links to hawala operations or other unauthorised foreign exchange activities. The identity of the passenger has been withheld pending the ongoing inquiry.