RAWALPINDI: Wearing a hoodie and baseball cap pulled low, supermodel Ayyan Ali attempted to shield her face on Saturday as she left the courtroom of Judge Mumtaz Ali accompanied by customs officials.

Earlier on Saturday, the supermodel was arrested at Benazir Bhutto International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle $506,800 in her luggage.

Ms Ali was stopped as she was on her way to board an Emirates flight to Dubai. According to the Airport Security Force (ASF), officials spotted the currency tucked away in the pockets of a suitcase she had in her carry-on luggage.

Deputy Collector Customs Naveed Bugvi told Dawn ASF officers stopped Ms Ali at the Rawal Lounge after baggage scanners detected an anomaly.

“Customs officials were called and Customs Collector Zeba Azhar found $506,800 in the suitcase,” he said. Mr Bugvi said an FIR was registered under the Customs Act 1969.

He said passengers are allowed to carry up to $10,000 when travelling abroad. “Ms Ali should have transferred the money through her bank,” he said.

A customs official told Dawn that when the model was told that she was not allowed to carry such a large amount of cash abroad, she claimed ignorance of the law and said she planned to use this money for the launch of a new video.

Following the registration of a case, Ms Ali was sent to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for a medical checkup.

“At the hospital, she complained of chest pain. Doctors conducted an ECG, which came out clear,” said the doctor on duty.

The special court for customs, taxation and anti-smuggling has sent her to Adiala Jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2015

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