VASCO: The air intelligence unit of Goa Customs detained a Bhatkal native for allegedly carrying foreign currency worth Rs 7.06 lakh at Dabolim International Airport early on Tuesday. The accused, Syed Ummer Farooque Lanka, was travelling to Dubai via Sharjah in an Air Arabia flight (G9 493) and had concealed the currency in one of his checked-in baggage but was, however, intercepted by Customs officials.
“On scanning his baggage it was revealed that he was carrying cash worth UAE dirham 40,000 (equivalent to Rs 7.06 lakh),” a Customs official said.
The passenger could not provide any evidence in support of lawful possession of the foreign currency. Hence, a case was registered and the currency was seized.
As per rules, there is no cap on carrying foreign currency by an Indian national provided he gives a valid proof of its source. This is the second such seizure in 10 days. On July 31, foreign currency worth Rs 16 lakh was seized at Dabolim from a Bhatkal native leaving for Sharjah in an Air Arabia flight but was caught by the Air Intelligence unit of Goa Customs.
