Chennai: A 69-year-old Italian national was on Saturday detained at the airport here after he was found in possession of a satellite phone, customs authorities said.

Neri Giovanni was scheduled to board a flight to Colombo at 9.30 AM but was detained after he was found in possession of the satellite phone.

Customs authorities said the use of such phones in India was highly restricted adding prior permission and declaration was needed.

The Italian, who arrived here on December 7 and was staying at a hotel, is being questioned.