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Seizures of foreign currency and smuggled goods is not new on international airports of India, however, Pune airport on Monday witnessed an unusual scene. Customs officials intercepted and seized foreign currency worth Rs 1.3 crores hidden in casseroles wrapped under a layer of Upma—the south Indian delicacy.
Two passengers— Nishant Vijay Yetam, a resident of Nagaothane in Raigad district, and Harsha Ranglani Raju, a resident of Chembur in Mumbai—were on their way to Dubai with USD 1,72,800 and EUR 30,000.
Yetam was carrying USD 86,600 and EUR 15,000 worth of currency carefully and cleverly concealed in a black polythene bag under a thin layer of Upma over it. Rest of the currency was being carried by Raju in a similar fashion, reported The Indian Express.
“Detailed examination of the checked-in baggage of the passengers resulted in total recovery of foreign currency, valued at Rs 1,30,78,695. Most of the currency was cleverly concealed below the steel casing of four casseroles, containing food articles kept in their checked-in baggage. All the currency was seized under the belief that the same were attempted to be smuggled out of India and hence liable for confiscation under provision of the Customs Act, 1962,” the report quoted Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, M V S Choudhari.
Yetam and Raju were arrested and produced before a magistrate and confessed to possessing and carrying the foreign currency. Both the men are suspected to be members of a syndicate involved in smuggling goods and cash. Officers would continue their investigation to find out more information about the syndicate, additional commissioner, Customs, J K Meena said.
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