Collectorate of Customs, Jinnah Airport, Karachi on Wednesday foiled a dollar-smuggling attempt and recovered US dollars equivalent to 16,802,455 Pakistani rupees from a Sri Lankan passenger, leaving for China, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the details, the Customs officials at the International Departure Lounge of Jinnah International Airport (JIAP) in Karachi seized US dollars from a passenger identified as Amadu Alfa who was about to board for China.

The cash was concealed in the shoulder bag of the passenger who had attempted to smuggle it out of the country, Customs officials said.

The discovery was made during a routine search of passengers intending to travel via an international airline.

According to customs regulations, travelers are only allowed to carry up to 5,000 US dollars or its equivalent in other currencies out of Pakistan without declaring it.

Following the seizure of the currency, the customs authorities allowed the passenger to continue his journey, but the undeclared US dollars were confiscated.