DRI Seizes Foreign Currency Worth ₹3.5 Crore at Kolkata Airport

According to a PIB report, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has achieved a major success by thwarting the smuggling of foreign currency at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. In the early hours of 06.11.2026, based on specific intelligence, DRI officials intercepted 7 passengers travelling to Bangkok.

Upon personal search of these passengers and an inspection of their hand baggage and check-in baggage, various foreign currencies, including US Dollars (USD) and British Pounds (GBP), were recovered, with a total value of ₹3.12 crore.

Members of this syndicate had adopted highly clever methods to conceal the currency. The currency was hidden in notebooks, in double-layered secret compartments of trolley bags, and in shoes. Additionally, it was concealed deep within the pockets of packed clothes in check-in baggage and within hand baggage. During interrogation, the passengers were unable to produce any documents to prove ownership or legal possession of the currency.

All 7 members of the syndicate have been arrested on charges of smuggling foreign currency in violation of the Customs Act and FEMA regulations.

During this operation, several other passengers were also intercepted, from whose baggage foreign currency worth ₹0.39 crore was recovered. These passengers have been handed over to the Customs Department for further action. The DRI stated that they are committed to dismantling such organised networks that cause harm to the economic and financial stability of the country.