DRI Seizes Foreign Currency Worth Rs 25.82 Lakhs from Passenger at MIA
Mangaluru: Acting swiftly on a specific intelligence, the officers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mangalore apprehended one Sirajuddin Pallikke Kunhali aged 39 years who hails from Kasargod District, Kerala, presently residing in Mangalore on 15 February 2018 while he was about to board the Air India Express flight IX 813 bound to Dubai after having completed all check-in and Immigration formalities.
During his personal search, it was found that some foreign currency notes were concealed inside his socks. Subsequently, on the thorough examination of Sirajuddin Pallikke Kunhali’s baggage, the officers found that foreign currency was concealed inside the hollow tubular parts of the handles in rolled bundles and some more currency notes were spread under the false bottom of the said bag. Assorted foreign currency comprising of US Dollars, Swiss Franc, Euros and Kuwait Dinars adding up to 25,82,686/- in terms of its value in INR was recovered from Sirajuddin Pallikke Kunhali and seized under provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 read with FEMA Rules and RBI guidelines issued in this regard.
Upon Interrogation, Sirajuddin Pallikke Kunhali admitted the offence and stated that he indulged in this unscrupulous act for making some easy money. He has been arrested and produced before the Principal Civil Judge (Senior Division) and Chief Judicial Magistrate, Mangalore. The Directorate is hopeful of getting new breakthrough regarding unauthorized currency dealers and hawala operators in the course of further investigation.