KATHMANDU: Airport security personnel at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) have detained two Bangladeshi nationals after recovering undeclared Nepali and foreign currency worth approximately Rs 3.15 million during a security screening.

According to a press release issued by the TIA Security Office today, the passengers were intercepted while preparing to board Batik Air flight OD183 from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at around 1:00 pm today.

During baggage screening and body checks at the international departure terminal, security officials discovered cash concealed inside specially modified fruit cartons. The money included both Nepali and foreign currencies.

The detained individuals were identified as 39-year-old Mohammad Intaz Ali and 50-year-old MD Zakir Hossain.

Authorities seized Rs 1.025 million from Ali. From Hossain, officials recovered Rs 1.234 million, USD 1,000, and Malaysian ringgit 20,000. The total value of the confiscated currency was estimated at Rs 3.151 million.

Police said the suspects and the seized cash have been handed over to the Department of Revenue Investigation in Harihar Bhawan, Lalitpur, for further investigation and legal action.

The security office also noted that Ali has traveled to Nepal 28 times, while Hossain has entered the country 19 times. Nepal Police have launched an additional investigation into their travel records and activities.