Man caught hiding Rs 15 lakh in papad packets, spice boxes at Delhi airport

An Indian man who was on his way to Bangkok has been held by the Delhi airport authorities for carrying US dollars hidden in boxes of spices and ‘papad’ packets. 

The Bangkok-bound man was found in possession of Rs 15.5 lakh that were concealed within layers of ‘papad’ packets and spice bottles. 

The man was caught during the security checks at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport at 5am. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) surveillance and intelligence staff of the terminal identified the passenger due to his “suspicious” behaviour. He was diverted to a random checking point for thorough checking of the luggage. 

A doubtful image showed up in the X-BIS machine, following which the matter was escalated to the senior officials of the CISF and customs. He was then allowed to complete his check-in formalities but was put under careful watch. Once the check-in process and immigration formalities were done, the passenger was intercepted by CISF staff and brought to the customs office. 

A total of $19,900 or Rs 15.5 lakh at current value was then found in the passenger’s luggage after thorough checking of his bag. 

When asked, he could not furnish a valid authorisation to carry such a big amount of foreign currency, the officer said. He was then handed over to the customs officials. 

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