According to officials, 207 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act till January 2026 (FY 2025–26), compared with just 57 cases in FY 2024-25, marking nearly a fourfold jump
According to officials, 207 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act till January 2026. PIC VIA SAMIULLAH KHAN
In a major crackdown at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, the Airport Commissionerate of Mumbai Customs Zone-III has reported a sharp surge in narcotics cases this financial year, underscoring growing attempts to smuggle drugs through one of India’s busiest international gateways.
According to officials, 207 cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act till January 2026 (FY 2025-26), compared with just 57 cases in FY 2024-25, marking nearly a fourfold jump. Authorities said the spike reflects both heightened enforcement and increasingly sophisticated smuggling attempts being detected at the airport.
Seizures surge fourfold
In FY 2024–25, customs officials registered 57 cases, arrested 81 persons and seized 388.42 kg of narcotics valued at Rs 435.57 crore. The haul included 383.13 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs 383 crore and 5.09 kg of cocaine valued at Rs 50.9 crore.
In contrast, between April 2025 and January 2026, authorities registered 207 cases and arrested 249 individuals. A total of 1,113.29 kg of drugs worth Rs 1,217.9 crore were seized, including 1,101.56 kg of hydroponic weed valued at Rs 1,102 crore and 11.626 kg of cocaine worth Rs 116.26 crore.
Hydroponic weed a major concern
Officials said hydroponic weed smuggling has emerged as a major threat, with Thailand identified as a key source country. Between April 2025 and January 2026, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) registered 200 cases involving more than 1,101 kg of cannabis.
Investigations have revealed that Indian drug syndicates, in connivance with Bangkok-based agents, lure carriers with free flight tickets, hotel accommodation and small payments. Smugglers have adopted innovative concealment techniques, including fake “Diplomatic Pouch of the Ministry of External Affairs” markings, misleading baggage tags from unrelated flights, and concealment inside chips packets, shampoo bottles and even vegetables.
More than 50 per cent of recent seizures were made without specific intelligence inputs, indicating evolving recruitment strategies. Officials noted that carriers ranged in age from 21 to 61 years and included families travelling with children and women, who account for nearly 25 per cent of booked cases.
Cocaine trafficking via human carriers
Cocaine smuggling continues to pose a serious challenge, often linked to transnational syndicates. In one case, a 61-year-old Ugandan national was found carrying 80 cocaine capsules (866 grams) concealed in his stomach. In another incident, an airline crew member was intercepted with 5.194 kg of cocaine.
Under the NDPS Act, commercial quantity offences attract a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, extendable to 20 years, along with heavy fines. Repeat offenders may face up to 30 years in jail or even the death penalty in exceptional cases.
In a separate development, the Mumbai Airport Commissionerate destroyed more than 415 kg of seized narcotics worth Rs 486 crore during the current financial year, in line with strict legal procedures.
Officials reiterated their commitment to dismantling global drug syndicates and advancing the Centre’s vision of a drug-free India under the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.
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