Mumbai Customs strikes big: Hydroponic weed, diamonds, gold worth over Rs 46 cr seized

In a major crackdown, the Customs department at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport seized narcotics, precious stones, gold, and foreign currency worth over Rs 46 crore in multiple cases detected over the past week.

A total of 44.292 kg of suspected hydroponic weed , valued at Rs 44.292 crore in the illicit market, was recovered from nine passengers arriving from Bangkok. All individuals have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act . Hydroponic weed is cannabis grown without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions indoors, allowing faster growth and higher potency.

In addition, officials seized 299 grams of methaqualone , a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, valued at Rs 74.75 lakh .

Customs authorities also intercepted valuable items in separate cases, including foreign and Indian currency totaling Rs 32.85 lakh , 455 carats of natural and lab-grown diamonds worth Rs 94.97 lakh , and 160.79 grams of 21-karat gold jewellery, valued at Rs 21.51 lakh . Furthermore, 1,203.69 carats of cut and polished natural emeralds, rubies, blue sapphires, amethysts, and multi-stones, worth Rs 15.16 lakh , were recovered from passengers.

All seizures were made under relevant provisions of the Customs Act and other applicable laws. Officials emphasized the operation’s scale, highlighting the meticulous checks carried out on international passengers to curb smuggling and drug trafficking.

This series of seizures underscores the growing vigilance at Mumbai airport and the increasing sophistication of smugglers attempting to traffic high-value narcotics and gems through air routes.