IRS(Customs & Indirect Taxes) Association

Hyderabad, Telangana | Officers of DRI HZU intercepted one male Indian passenger who was scheduled to depart from RGIA, Hyderabad, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by AirAsia Flight AK-68 on 22.10.2026. During examination of his cabin baggage, foreign currency comprising USD 66,600, MYR 3,773 and SGD 2, collectively valued at approximately Rs 63.62 lakh, was recovered concealed inside a black plastic cover kept among clothes in his trolley bag. During preliminary questioning, it was revealed that another female passenger was also travelling with him on the same flight on a different PNR. Immediately, surveillance was mounted, and the said female passenger was identified and intercepted. Examination of her cabin baggage resulted in the recovery of USD 97,600, valued at approximately Rs 91.94 lakh, similarly concealed inside a black plastic cover among clothes in her trolley bag. Both passengers failed to produce documents supporting the lawful procurement and carriage of the foreign currency. Accordingly, the entire foreign currency, valued at approximately Rs 1.56 crore, along with the trolley bags used for concealment, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Both the passengers were arrested. Further investigation is in progress: DRI Hyderabad (Source: DRI Hyderabad)

Customs officers seized 23.22 kg of hydroponic marijuana, valued at an estimated ₹8.12 crore, from a consignment arriving from Bangkok and declared as lamps. The drugs were concealed inside a wooden pallet. One person was arrested on October 22 in connection with the case. The latest seizure takes the total narcotics recovered in the ongoing investigation to nearly 172 kg, with two arrests so far. Further investigation is underway.

Acting on specific intelligence developed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Mumbai Zonal Unit (MZU), officers busted a well-organised gold smuggling syndicate operating through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, involving five persons-two pax, one airport staff and two recipients. During the operation conducted on 19–20 October 2026, DRI officers seized 2.317 kg of 24-carat foreign-origin gold bars, valued at approximately Rs 3.47 crore, and apprehended the five persons involved in the smuggling network. Preliminary investigations have revealed the involvement of the accused in the clandestine movement and handling of the smuggled gold. The gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and all five accused were arrested. Further investigation is underway to trace the wider network and identify other individuals involved in the smuggling syndicate.