Dubai-bound bizman caught with foreign currency, banned notes worth ₹8 lakh at Mumbai airport

Mumbai city news: The man was caught with 5,000 pounds, 20,000 Saudi Riyals, 300 USD, 1,700 AED and 4,4000 INR

Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) caught a businessman with demonetised notes and foreign currency worth Rs8.26 lakh on Tuesday.

Police are investigating why the passenger was carrying banned notes. (Photo for representation)

Officials said they intercepted the businessman before he left for Dubai. “We searched the passenger’s personal bag and his checked-in baggage and recovered 5,000 pounds, 20,000 Saudi Riyals, 300 USD, 1,700 AED and 4,4000 INR. He was also carrying demonetised notes worth Rs21,500,” said a senior AIU officer.

The businessman is from Ajmer in Rajasthan. He buys fabrics in Mumbai and sells them in Dubai, said officials.

The accused and his seized currency were handed over to the Sahar police, who registered a case under the Customs Act, 1962.

Demonetisation came into effect from November 8. The move was aimed at curbing corruption, black money and counterfeit notes. Police are investigating why the passenger was carrying banned notes.