Chennai: In the first seizure at Chennai airport since the model code of conduct was enforced, customs sleuths have detained two flyers in possession of US $31,500 and 2.5 lakh. Based on specific intelligence, the passengers who arrived from Madurai on an Air India flight were intercepted with the help of CISF personnel as well as income tax teams deployed at the airport to enforce the MCC. A search led to the seizure of foreign and Indian currency from the hand luggage. Since they did not have valid documents to account for the money, the same was seized and handed over to income tax officials for further investigation. Though the flyers claimed to be traders and that the cash was carried for business reasons, authorities suspect the unaccounted income could be used for election-related misuse. Sources said the Enforcement Directorate has also been alerted of the seizure and further investigation is on.
