DRI seizes foreign currency worth ₹1.56 crore from two passengers at Hyderabad airport

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized foreign currency worth around ₹ 1.56 crore from two passengers at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad after detaining them while they were preparing to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Thursday (October 22, 2026).

Acting on specific information, officers of the DRI Hyderabad zonal unit detained an Indian passenger who was scheduled to travel to Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia flight AK-68. During a search of his cabin baggage, officials recovered $66,600, MYR 3,773 and SGD 2, with a combined value of approximately ₹63.62 lakh.

The currency was allegedly hidden in a black plastic cover placed among the clothes in his bag on the trolley. During preliminary questioning, the passenger reportedly revealed that a woman was also traveling on the same flight, albeit under a different PNR.

DRI officers subsequently placed the woman under surveillance and detained her before leaving. A search of her cabin baggage led to the recovery of $97,600, worth approximately ₹91.94 lakh. The currency was similarly hidden in a black plastic wrapper among the clothes in her trolley bag.

According to the DRI, none of the passengers could produce documents to support the legal purchase and transportation of foreign currency.

The agency seized the entire foreign currency, comprising USD 1,64,200, MYR 3,773 and SGD 2, along with trolley bags allegedly used for concealment. The total value of the seized currency was estimated at ₹1.56 million.

Both the passengers were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is underway.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 10:20 AM IST