Mumbai Customs Foil Smuggling: Seize ₹19.7 Crore Hydroponic Weed

In a significant drug bust, Mumbai Customs officials intercepted attempts to smuggle nearly 20 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at almost ₹19.7 crore, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

The first case, based on detailed intelligence, involved two passengers who arrived from Hong Kong on flight CX-663, with authorities discovering 7.864 kg of the illicit substance concealed in their luggage. This carry-load of marijuana has an estimated market value of approximately ₹7.86 crore. Both were apprehended under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

In a separate incident, Mumbai Customs officers acted on another intelligence tip-off and intercepted a passenger from Bangkok on flight 6E-1052. The search of this passenger's luggage yielded 11.922 kg of suspected hydroponic weed, estimated to be worth ₹11.922 crore. This passenger was also arrested under the NDPS Act. Combined, the contraband seized in these operations amounts to 19.786 kg, with an aggregate valuation at ₹19.786 crore. Mumbai Customs Zone-III has confirmed the arrests, with investigations ongoing.