Rs 1.13 Crore Foreign Currency Seized at Kolkata Airport
CISF personnel at Kolkata airport detected over Rs 1.13 crore in concealed foreign currency in the bags of two passengers heading to Bangkok.
In a major crackdown on smuggling, CISF personnel at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata intercepted two passengers attempting to smuggle foreign currency seized at Kolkata airport worth approximately Rs 1.13 crore. The detection occurred during a routine security check on October 19, highlighting the vigilance of the security forces.
Suspicious X-Ray Scans Lead to Discovery
The incident unfolded around 10:20 hrs at the International Terminal Security Hold Area (ITB SHA). While conducting security screenings, an on-duty CISF screener spotted suspicious images on the X-ray scan of hand baggage belonging to two passengers. The duo was scheduled to fly to Bangkok via Bhutan Airlines flight B3700.
Alerted by the anomalies in the scan, the security team immediately referred the bags for a thorough physical examination.
The Modus Operandi: False Bottoms and Newspapers
Upon opening the bags, CISF personnel discovered a clever concealment method. The foreign currency had been meticulously wrapped in newspapers and hidden within the false bottoms of the two bags to evade detection.
The total amount recovered was USD 1,19,900, which is equivalent to approximately Rs 1,13,64,002. The breakdown of the seizure was as follows:
- Passenger One: USD 74,900 recovered from their hand baggage.
- Passenger Two: USD 45,000 recovered from their hand baggage.
Legal Aftermath and Customs Action
Following the discovery, both individuals and the seized cash were handed over to the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Customs for further investigation and legal formalities.
The legal outcomes for the two passengers differed based on the investigation:
- On October 20, the passenger found with the larger sum (USD 74,900) was produced before the District and Sessions Court for further legal proceedings.
- The second passenger, found with USD 45,000, was released by Customs officials after a detention receipt for the currency was issued.
The detection underscores the alertness and vigilance of CISF personnel in identifying suspicious baggage during security screening. CISF remains committed to ensuring aviation security through effective screening procedures and the professional conduct of its personnel, stated the PRO of the CISF.