Three held at Mumbai Airport for smuggling foreign currency worth Rs 79 lakh

The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted three members of a family at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Saturday and seized Saudi Arabian Riyals and US Dollars equivalent to Rs 79.38 lakh.

The arrest was made on Saturday where those arrested identified as Ahmed Mohammed Ali Ahmed, Salem Hawshab and Neamah Naseer who were travelling to Yemen were picked up after the examination of their baggage which later resulted in the seizure of the said currencies.

According to the AIU officials, the family was on their way to fly to Aden by Yemen Airways flight IY-855. Upon interception, the officials recovered foreign currency in the form of 3,88,500 Riyals and 10,000 USD. The cash was equivalent to Rs 79.38 lakh.

An AIU Official said the foreign currency was concealed in the hand baggage of Salem Hawshab. The currency was seized by officials and the interrogation revealed the family was going to smuggle the foreign currency to Arab countries.

The family of three was arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation into the case is underway, said an official.

BUSTED ABROAD

• Air Intelligence Unit intercepted three members of a family at the airport on Saturday and seized Saudi Arabian Riyals and US Dollars 
   
• The family was on their way to fly to Aden by Yemen Airways flight IY-855t