DRI officials stopped passengers heading abroad at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and seized a large amount of foreign currency. The action was taken in the early hours of 6 November 2026 based on specific intelligence information.
According to the government press release, DRI officials stopped seven passengers traveling to Bangkok and searched their persons and luggage. During the search, foreign currency worth ₹3.12 crore, including US dollars and GBP, was collectively recovered from them.
Method of concealment and action
The smugglers used a sophisticated method to hide the currency. It was concealed inside a notebook, in trolley bags and shoes in double‑layered boxes, and in pockets of clothing. During interrogation, the passenger could not produce any documents relating to ownership or lawful possession of the currency.
In this case, all seven members of the syndicate have been arrested. They have been charged with smuggling foreign currency in violation of the Customs Act under FEMA regulations. In addition, foreign currency worth ₹0.39 crore was seized from other passengers and handed over to the customs department.