Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Amritsar Regional Unit, intercepted a passenger at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International (SGRDJI) Airport, Amritsar, on 29.05.2025. The passenger was attempting to smuggle foreign currency while travelling from Amritsar to Dubai via Air India Express Flight IX 191.
A thorough search of the passenger’s baggage led to the recovery of foreign currency amounting to USD 41,400, equivalent to approximately ₹35.40 lakh. The currency was concealed cleverly within another bag placed inside the main check-in baggage. Upon preliminary examination, it was found that the seized currency was unaccounted for and far exceeded the permissible limits as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.
Accordingly, the foreign currency was seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Initial investigation indicates that the accused was involved in the illegal smuggling of foreign currency for monetary gains. Further investigation is currently underway.
This marks the second major foreign currency seizure by DRI Amritsar within the current month. Earlier, on 03.05.2025, the DRI had seized foreign currency worth ₹2.66 crore from another passenger at Amritsar Airport. In that case, the individual was arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
The DRI remains committed to curbing the menace of smuggling and safeguarding the economic interests of the nation.