On August 7, 2025, Mumbai Customs Zone-III seized 3.02 kg of 24 kt gold dust worth Rs 2.78 crore from an airline staff member and 0.947 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs 0.94 crore from a Bangkok passenger at CSMI airport. Both were arrested under the Customs Act and NDPS Act in a major anti-smuggling operation.
Gold dust found concealed inside the inner garment and hydroponic weed was found inside the trolley bag
In a major crackdown by the Mumbai Customs Zone-III, the authorities made two significant drug seizures at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on August 7, 2025. While making the substantial seizure of contrabands at the CSMI airport, two individuals, including an airline staff member, were arrested.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 0.947 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana), which has been valued at around Rs 0.94 crores, and gold dust weighing 3.02 kg valued at Rs 2.78 crores, across 02 cases.
Gold worth Rs. 2.78 crore recovered from airline staff
The customs officials at the airport intercepted one of the airport staff and seized 24 Kt gold dust concealed in wax (six pieces). The gold wax weighed 3.02 kg and is said to be valued at around Rs. 2.78 crores. As per the reports, the gold was found hidden inside specially designed belts worn beneath the suspect’s innerwear. However, acting smartly on the situation, the authorities made the seizure, and the airline staff were booked under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Man from Bangkok caught with 947 grams of hydroponic weed
In another major outbreak at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, a passenger arriving from Bangkok was intercepted based on intelligence inputs. As soon as the authorities caught the man allegedly carrying drugs, officials discovered vacuum-sealed plastic packets inside his trolley bag containing greenish lumps suspected to be hydroponic weed (marijuana). The contraband confiscated by the authorities weighed approximately 947 grams with an estimated value of Rs 0.94 crore in the market.
However, the passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
