According to DRI officials, the accused Agar Rislie was intercepted based on specific intelligence.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Thursday held a crew member associated with Jet Airways at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) here for allegedly smuggling foreign currencies worth over $3,90,000 (Rs 2.63 crore). The accused, who was about to board a Hong Kong flight when he was detained, is suspected to be part of a larger smuggling racket.
According to DRI officials, the accused Agar Rislie was intercepted based on specific intelligence. “He was carrying with him $3,90,000 in his check-in baggage. The currency was concealed in five leather diary covers. He was intercepted at the Customs counter after immigration at 12.45 am on Thursday, as he did not mention about foreign currency in his declaration,” said an official.
A Jet Airways statement said that it is cooperating with the relevant authorities in their investigation. “Jet Airways has a zero tolerance policy towards actions of employees that contravene local or international laws. This is clearly stipulated in employee contracts and reinforced in training sessions. We take all necessary disciplinary action in accordance with company policy and procedures,” it said.
According to Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) at Mumbai, Thursday's is not an isolated case of involvement of an airline/airport insider in smuggling. In the past over a year and a half, investigation has led to around two dozens cases in which the assistance of airline/airport insiders have been confirmed. DRI and AIU officials claim that it becomes easier for airline/airport staffers to indulge in the syndicate as they have easier access to areas inside airport and are unlikely to be doubted. The authorities had several times in the past written to airlines to keep an eye on their staffers.
Some of the prominent cases include the one which happened in September last year, wherein a Jet airways crew member was held for allegedly smuggling gold bars worth over Rs 28 lakh. In second case, based on profiling, AIU had in March last year intercepted a Jet Airways flight attendant, for allegedly conniving in smuggling of gold and cut-diamonds to the tune of over Rs 1 crore.
In yet another case, a chief security coordinator with Gulf-based airline Etihad, who ranked third in the organisation's hierarchy in India, was held by AIU for allegedly involved in smuggling of Rs 33 lakh worth gold in July last year. The accused, during the interrogation reportedly told that he had indulged in similar activities at least four times in the past.
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