In a high-stakes operation at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai Customs officials seized hydroponic weed valued at Rs 20.062 crore and foreign currency worth Rs 26.37 lakh across three separate cases, exposing a sophisticated international smuggling network. The operations, conducted on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, underscore the growing challenge of combating drug trafficking through one of India’s busiest airports.
The first case involved an outbound passenger headed to Bangkok, intercepted during routine profiling at the departure terminal. A meticulous search of his checked-in trolley bag revealed foreign currency equivalent to Rs 26.37 lakh, cleverly concealed in hidden compartments. Authorities suspect the cash was linked to illicit transactions, possibly tied to drug trafficking or hawala operations, though the passenger’s identity and exact motives are under investigation.
In the other two cases, Customs officials targeted passengers arriving from Bangkok, a known hotspot for narcotics smuggling. Acting on precise intelligence, authorities searched the luggage of two individuals, uncovering a total of 20.06 kg of hydroponic weed—a premium form of marijuana cultivated in nutrient-rich water, prized for its high potency and fetching exorbitant prices on the black market.
The first passenger was found carrying 9.98 kg of the substance, expertly packed in vacuum-sealed pouches to evade detection, while the second had 10.08 kg similarly concealed. Both were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which carries penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment for trafficking such substances.
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Hydroponic weed, with its enhanced THC levels—often exceeding 20% compared to 5-10% in traditional cannabis—has become a prime target for international cartels due to its lucrative street value, estimated at Rs 1 lakh per kg in India’s metropolitan underground markets. The seized quantity represents one of the largest hauls at CSMIA this year, reflecting the rising influx of high-grade narcotics through Southeast Asian routes.
Customs Commissioner Rahul Kumar credited the success to advanced surveillance, including X-ray scanners and narcotic-sniffing canine units, coupled with real-time intelligence. “CSMIA processes over 1,200 flights daily, making it a magnet for smuggling syndicates. Our teams are leveraging technology and tip-offs to stay ahead,” Kumar said. Sources indicate that post-monsoon months see a spike in such activities, prompting heightened vigilance.
The arrested passengers are undergoing interrogation to uncover links to Thailand-based cartels, with forensic teams analyzing the seized weed for chemical signatures that could trace its cultivation origins. This bust follows a recent September seizure at CSMIA, where Rs 49 crore worth of hydroponic weed and exotic wildlife were confiscated, pointing to a broader pattern of organized crime.
The operation sends a strong message about India’s crackdown on the estimated Rs 100,000 crore illegal drug trade. Authorities are urging passengers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, as investigations continue to dismantle the networks fueling this illicit economy.
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