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News18
4 days ago
- General
- News18
Mumbai Airport's Customs Team Arrests 3, Seizes 8.6Kg Hydroponic Weed Worth Over Rs 8 Crore
Last Updated: Hydroponic weed is an advanced form of cannabis grown in controlled environments using nutrient-rich water instead of soil In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the customs department at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, seized approximately 8.6 kilograms of high-grade hydroponic weed, also known as hydroponic marijuana, valued at Rs 8.6 crore in the illicit market. The operation, carried out on June 2 and 3, led to the arrest of three Indian nationals who had arrived from Bangkok. The action was taken by officers of Mumbai Customs Zone III who were working on specific intelligence inputs regarding drug smuggling through air routes. Two passengers landed on June 3 by Thai flight SL218, while the third arrived earlier by flight VZ760, all from Bangkok. Acting on suspicion, customs officials intercepted the individuals shortly after they landed at the airport. Upon preliminary questioning, all three passengers displayed signs of nervousness and discomfort, raising red flags for the team. A thorough examination of their baggage led to the discovery of carefully concealed hydroponic weed—an advanced form of cannabis grown in controlled environments using nutrient-rich water instead of soil. This type of marijuana is known for its potency and high street value. The entire consignment, weighing 8.6 kg in total, has been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. All three individuals have been arrested and further investigation is currently underway to determine the broader network behind this smuggling attempt. The seizure underscores the growing trend of synthetic and high-potency drug smuggling through air routes, especially from Southeast Asian hubs like Bangkok. The successful operation not only prevented a large quantity of narcotics from reaching the streets but also highlights the increasing use of airports like Mumbai for smuggling hydroponic marijuana. As international drug syndicates adapt with newer smuggling techniques, Indian enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts with sharper intelligence and advanced surveillance tools. First Published: June 04, 2025, 10:35 IST
Indian Express
24-04-2025
- Indian Express
Customs officials arrest 3 men, 2 women at Mumbai airport for smuggling weed worth Rs 30 crore from Bangkok
Customs department officials arrested three men and two women at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International airport in Mumbai in the past couple of days while they were trying to allegedly smuggle hydroponic weed worth around Rs 30 crore from Bangkok. All are residents of Mumbai and travelling on different flights. Sources in the customs department said that based on reliable inputs, Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials nabbed Saat Rasta area resident Laxman Mhadik and Nalasopara resident Harsha Chheda and seized hydroponic weed from them on Wednesday. A total of 11,808 gram of weed worth Rs 11.8 crore was seized from Mhadik and Chheda. In the second case, AIU officials intercepted Byculla residents Noor Bilakhia and Afrin Bilakhia during passenger profiling. They were found concealing nearly 12 kilogram of hydroponic weed worth around Rs 12 crore in their trolley bag. Customs officials also caught Trombay resident Mohammed Shaikh. Examination of Shaikh's luggage led to the seizure of hydroponic weed worth Rs 5.90 crore. The inquiry of suspects revealed that they were aware of the smuggling of narcotics and were offered hefty commissions by their handlers. Customs officials are trying to extract information on their handlers and also about the local contacts in Mumbai who were supposed to accept the deliveries of the smuggled contraband from them, a customs source said. The arrested suspects face serious charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, as commercial quantities of drugs have been seized from them. As per the Customs department, 1,000 gram of cannabis (weed) is specified as a small quantity, and any amount above it is considered a commercial quantity. If proven guilty, they may attract 20 years of imprisonment, said another customs source. Hydroponic weed refers to cannabis grown without the use of soil.
