In a major action, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized foreign currency and diamonds worth about Rs 3 crore at Mumbai Airport. A total of 6 people including the hawala operator have been arrested in this case. According to officials, this action was taken on the basis of special intelligence information.
As soon as the information was received, the DRI team increased surveillance at the airport and stopped four passengers when they were preparing to board an international flight.
Fake cavity was made in the bag
When the officials carefully examined the bags and handbags of the passengers, a shocking revelation came to light. Fake cavities i.e. hidden grooves were made inside the bag, in which foreign currency and diamonds were kept hidden.
During the search, pounds sterling and US dollars in different denominations were recovered. The total value of these foreign currencies is said to be around Rs 1.93 crore. According to officials, an attempt was being made to hide such a large amount of foreign currency and take it abroad.
Diamonds kept hidden in 53 pouches
Apart from the foreign currency, officials also found 53 small pouches in the bag. When these pouches were examined, diamonds were found in them. The value of these seized diamonds has been estimated to be around Rs 1.10 crore. Officials say that an attempt was made to hide the diamonds in different pouches so that there would be no suspicion during the investigation.
During interrogation, documents related to foreign currency and diamonds were asked from the passengers, but no valid permission or documents were found with them. Not only this, he did not even make any announcement about these in the Customs Department.
According to the rules, permission and declaration are necessary to take such large amounts of foreign currency and valuables abroad.
Hawala operator also arrested
Taking the investigation forward, DRI also caught the hawala operator and the person who had delivered this foreign currency to the passengers. Officials said that a total of 6 people have been arrested in this entire case under the Customs Act 1962.
At present, the investigating agency is trying to find out whether any big network is working behind this smuggling.