New Delhi: Customs officers at Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi Airport) seized foreign currency valued at ₹27.74 lakh from a Turkish passenger preparing to board a flight to Istanbul on Tuesday, officials said.
The interception took place at Terminal 3 (Delhi Airport) during what authorities described as a routine check. The passenger was stopped after a random referral flagged him for additional screening.
Currency Hidden Inside Books
A detailed examination of the traveller’s person and luggage led to the discovery of 23,750 euros and 3,500 US dollars. Officials said the cash was hidden inside the pages of several books packed in his check-in baggage, an apparent attempt to avoid detection.
“The notes were discreetly inserted between book pages and concealed in a way meant to bypass normal scanning procedures,” an official said.
Passenger Admits Smuggling Attempt
During questioning, the Turkish national admitted that he intended to take the currency out of India unlawfully, customs officials added. Further investigation is underway to determine the source of the money and whether others were involved.
The passenger is expected to face action under the Customs Act, and the seized currency has been placed in official custody pending legal proceedings.
