Why Was $41,400 Seized At Amritsar?

Amritsar : airport, customs officials seized $41,400 from a passenger arriving on an international flight from Dubai. The amount exceeded the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) prescribed limit for carrying foreign currency without declaration. This marks the second such case within a month at the airport, raising concerns about attempts to bypass currency regulations.

The passenger was stopped during routine customs checks where the undeclared foreign currency was discovered. According to RBI guidelines, travelers are allowed to carry up to $10,000 or equivalent in foreign currency without prior declaration. Any amount beyond this must be declared and is subject to customs scrutiny. Failure to comply may result in confiscation and legal action.

Officials noted that the seizure is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal money movement and enforce foreign exchange rules strictly. Amritsar, being a key international gateway especially for travelers from the Middle East, has seen increased vigilance in recent weeks to prevent smuggling of undeclared currency.

The incident has prompted customs authorities to intensify checks at the airport and create awareness among passengers about currency regulations. Travelers are being advised to declare any amounts exceeding the permitted limit to avoid penalties. Customs officers also highlighted the importance of cooperation from passengers to ensure smooth operations and compliance with legal norms.

This recent seizure follows a similar case earlier in the month where another passenger was caught with an amount exceeding the RBI limit. These cases underscore the continued efforts by Indian customs to prevent illegal currency inflows and outflows. They also act as a deterrent against attempts to use unaccounted foreign currency for unlawful purposes.

Airport security is working closely with customs and immigration officials to track suspicious activities and monitor passengers carrying large sums of money. These measures are critical to maintaining financial integrity and preventing violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).

The passenger involved in this case is currently under investigation and may face penalties or prosecution under applicable laws. Authorities urge all international travelers to familiarize themselves with currency rules to avoid legal complications during their journey.

In summary, the seizure of $41,400 at Amritsar airport from a Dubai passenger highlights ongoing enforcement of RBI currency limits and customs vigilance to stop undeclared money movement.