Customs seize $55,000 from Dubai-bound family

KARACHI: Customs authorities have recovered a large amount of foreign currency from six passengers travelling from Karachi to Dubai.

According to officials, the passengers belonged to the same family. Authorities recovered $55,000 in US currency and Rs950,000 in Pakistani cash from them.

Officials said the passengers were carrying foreign currency above the limit permitted by the State Bank of Pakistan. The currency had also not been properly declared before their travel.

The authorities took action under the Customs Act 1969 after the undeclared currency was discovered.

Customs officials said the case involved six members of one family. The recovery was made during checks at the airport before the passengers could leave the country.

Officials said the passengers had exceeded the permissible limit for carrying foreign currency abroad. They also failed to meet the required declaration procedures.

Customs authorities stressed that travellers must comply with regulations governing the movement of foreign currency. Passengers carrying amounts above the permitted limits are required to follow the applicable declaration procedures.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of checks at international airports. Customs officials regularly monitor passengers and baggage to detect undeclared currency and other restricted items.

Authorities said preventing currency smuggling remains a priority. They are maintaining strict checks to identify attempts to move large amounts of undeclared foreign currency out of Pakistan.

Customs officials said they are following a zero-tolerance policy against currency smuggling. They added that action would be taken against anyone found violating the relevant laws.

The recovered amount included both US dollars and Pakistani rupees. The officials did not provide further details about the intended use of the money or the identities of the passengers.

The case also highlights the need for travellers to understand currency rules before leaving Pakistan. Failure to declare currency or carrying amounts beyond the permitted limits can lead to legal action under the applicable laws.

Authorities are continuing proceedings in the case under the Customs Act 1969.

The recovery is among the latest incidents showing the role of airport customs checks in preventing the illegal movement of currency. Officials said such measures are necessary to protect Pakistan’s financial system and enforce foreign exchange regulations.

Customs authorities reiterated that passengers travelling abroad must comply with all currency declaration requirements. They said strict action would continue against attempts to move undeclared currency across Pakistan’s international borders.