During the three-day operation, customs officers seized 8.467 kg of hydroponic weed from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. They also recovered 2.270 kg of 24-carat gold dust, along with 230 grams of 24-carat gold jewellery, from different passengers at Mumbai Airport
Hydroponic weed seized at the airport from a Bangkok-return passenger. PIC VIA SAMIULLAH KHAN
Officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–3, have seized hydroponic weed and gold worth over Rs 11 crore in multiple cases this week, an official press note stated.
During the three-day operation, customs officers seized 8.467 kg of hydroponic weed from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. They also recovered 2.270 kg of 24-carat gold dust, along with 230 grams of 24-carat gold jewellery, from different passengers at Mumbai Airport.
Gold smuggling cases detected
In one case, based on spot checks and the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) profiling, a Bangladesh national travelling from Male to Dubai via Mumbai was apprehended while allegedly handing over four oval-shaped packets of 24-carat gold dust concealed in wax, weighing 1,460 grams and valued at Rs 1.86 crore, to a staff member of a ground handling agency (BWFS).
The passenger was travelling on IndiGo flights 6E-1132 (Tuesday) and 6E-1451 (Wednesday). Both the passenger and the BWFS staff member were arrested under Section 104 of the Customs Act, 1962, customs officers said.
In another similar incident, an Indian national — a transit passenger travelling from Dubai to Bangkok via Mumbai — was caught while handing over two oval-shaped packets of 24-carat gold dust in wax, weighing 810 grams and valued at Rs 1.03 crore, to another BWFS staff member. The passenger was travelling on IndiGo flights 6E-1454 (Tuesday) and 6E-1051 (Wednesday). Both individuals were arrested under the same provisions of the Customs Act.
Additionally, customs officers seized 230 grams of 24-carat gold, in the form of a kada and chain, valued at Rs 29.35 lakh, from an Indian passenger who arrived from Muscat on IndiGo flight 6E-1268 on Tuesday. The gold was found concealed inside the passenger’s wallet and on his body.
Hydroponic weed seizure
In a separate case, based on specific intelligence, customs officers recovered 8.467 kg of suspected hydroponic weed from a passenger arriving from Bangkok. The contraband is estimated to be worth Rs 8.467 crore in the illicit market.
The passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, officers said.
Further investigation in all the cases is underway.
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