Mangaluru: Foreign currency valued at around ₹80 lakh was seized at the international airport in Bajpe while being allegedly smuggled out of the country. A man and two women from Kerala have been arrested in connection with the case, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mangaluru unit, said on Monday.

The seizure was made on February 27 after DRI officials intercepted the trio at the departure hall before they could board a flight bound for Abu Dhabi. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officers of the DRI’s regional unit conducted a targeted operation that led to the detection of the alleged smuggling attempt.

Currency concealed in baggage

According to officials, the three passengers were travelling together and had arrived at the airport’s departure area as regular outbound travellers. Based on prior information, DRI officers kept a close watch on their movements and decided to intercept them for detailed questioning and inspection.

During the search, the accused were found to have allegedly concealed foreign currency in both their hand luggage and check-in baggage. Officials said the bundles were cleverly hidden among personal belongings in an apparent attempt to evade routine scrutiny.

The seized currency comprised a significant quantity of US dollars, along with a small amount of Pound Sterling, Saudi Riyals, and UAE Dirhams. The total value of the recovered foreign currency has been estimated at approximately ₹80 lakh in Indian currency.

Sources in the department indicated that the packaging and concealment methods suggested a pre-planned operation. The officials involved in the search detected irregularities during screening procedures, prompting a thorough physical examination of the baggage.

Though the names of the accused have not been officially released, DRI sources confirmed that all three are residents of Kerala. Preliminary investigations suggest that they were acting in coordination and had collectively attempted to transport the undeclared foreign currency out of the country.

Arrest under Customs Act, 1962

Following the seizure, the trio was arrested under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, which governs the import and export of goods and regulates cross-border movement of currency. Export of foreign exchange beyond the prescribed limit without declaration to Customs authorities is a punishable offence under the law.

The accused were subsequently produced before a jurisdictional court and remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation. Officials stated that statements of the accused have been recorded and further questioning will be conducted as part of the ongoing probe.

Authorities emphasised that passengers travelling abroad are required to comply with Reserve Bank of India and Customs guidelines regarding the declaration and permissible limits of foreign currency. Any violation of these norms can attract confiscation, penalties, and prosecution.

Probe to uncover larger network

Investigators are now focusing on tracing the source of the seized foreign currency and identifying the individuals or entities who may have financed the operation. Officials suspect that the trio may have been part of a broader network engaged in organised currency smuggling.

As part of the investigation, DRI officers are examining travel histories, communication records, and possible financial transactions linked to the accused. Efforts are also being made to determine whether similar attempts have been made recently through other routes.

Officials indicated that the nature and value of the seizure point towards the possibility of a coordinated syndicate rather than an isolated act. Further arrests may follow if evidence establishes the involvement of additional persons.

Heightened vigilance against currency smuggling

The latest action underscores the continued vigilance of the DRI in curbing economic offences, particularly the illegal export of currency. Intelligence-driven operations and coordinated surveillance have significantly strengthened enforcement at airports in recent years.

Authorities reiterated that strict monitoring mechanisms are in place to prevent smuggling of currency and other contraband. They have urged travellers to familiarise themselves with the legal requirements and ensure proper declaration of foreign exchange to avoid legal consequences.

With the accused currently in judicial custody, the investigation is expected to shed more light on the alleged network behind the ₹80 lakh foreign currency haul. Officials maintained that firm action will be taken against all those found involved in the case, reinforcing the government’s commitment to preventing financial crimes and safeguarding the country’s economic interests.