Mapusa, Sep 30 (TNN): Foreign currency worth around Rs 25 lakh was seized from a Goa-Maharashtra interstate bus driver on Saturday evening at Banda, Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra.

An increasing number of accidents on the Konkan belt of NH 17 had led Maharashtra police to intensify checking of interstate buses on the Goa-Mumbai route for alcohol consumption by drivers.

"It was a normal check. We intercepted the Goa-Mumbai bound bus and verified the driver for alcohol consumption. The movements of the substitute driver were suspicious and we also tested him for alcohol. While checking him, foreign currency was found hidden in a bag in his shirt," Banda PI G K Matondkar said.

Police found $20,000, 14,750 and 4,000 UAE dirhams on the driver, who was later arrested. Police gave the name of the driver as Nivruddin Mohammed Hayyad of Karnataka.

Mumbai's enforcement directorate will take over the case from Banda police for investigations as police don't have the powers to investigate cases involving foreign currency.