DRI seizes $40,000 from Uzbek woman at Amritsar Airport

In a major action based on specific intelligence inputs, officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Amritsar Regional Unit, seized $40,000 from an Uzbek woman passenger at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar.

According to officials, the foreign national was scheduled to travel from Amritsar to Dubai on Air India Express flight IX-197. During checking, DRI officials grew suspicious and conducted a detailed search of her checked-in baggage, leading to the recovery of the foreign currency concealed inside the luggage.

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The seized amount, valued at around ₹38.73 lakh in the Indian market, was allegedly unaccounted for and far beyond the permissible limit prescribed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). As the passenger failed to produce valid documents or authorisation related to the cash, the entire amount was confiscated under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Sources said investigating agencies are now probing the origin of the money and the purpose behind its alleged transportation to Dubai. Officials suspect the case could be linked to hawala operations or illegal foreign exchange transactions.

The DRI said surveillance at airports has been intensified to curb the smuggling of foreign currency and other unlawful activities. The woman passenger is currently being questioned, while further investigation into the matter is underway.