New Delhi: In a significant security operation at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel detected a substantial amount of foreign currency, valued at approximately Rs 2.52 crore in US Dollars, ingeniously concealed within bed sheets. The incident unfolded during pre-embarkation security checks at Terminal 3's International Security Hold Area.

On the fateful day, a CISF officer stationed at X-BIS No. 06 noticed suspicious images within a passenger's bag. Acting promptly, the officer referred the bag for a physical inspection and stopped the passenger in question. Upon closer examination of the bag, it was revealed that it contained seemingly innocuous, newly packed bed sheets. However, fueled by strong suspicion, the officers decided to investigate further.

To their astonishment, concealed within the folds of these bed sheets were stacks of staggering 3,07,500 US Dollars, which amounted to approximately Rs 2.52 crore. The currency had been wrapped in plastic covers, making it difficult to detect during X-BIS screening. The passenger, later identified as Mirjalol Juraev, an Uzbek national, was intending to board Emirates Airlines flight no. EK513 bound for Dubai.

The concealment of the foreign currency within organic material bed sheets presented a challenge during security screening, as it was nearly impossible to differentiate between the two. However, Sub Inspector Aasish Singh of CISF demonstrated remarkable alertness and diligence, ultimately leading to the detection of this substantial foreign currency haul.

Upon interrogation, Mirjalol Juraev failed to produce valid documents permitting him to carry such a substantial amount of foreign currency. Consequently, both the passenger and the seized 3,07,500 US Dollars, valued at approximately Rs 2.52 crore, were handed over to customs officials for further investigation and appropriate legal action. /BI/