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News Topical, Digital Desk : Officers of Mumbai Customs Zone-III at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) conducted a series of major operations during their duties between October 31 and November 3, 2025, and busted five cases of drug and foreign currency smuggling. Customs officers seized a total of 13,077 kilograms of hydroponic weed (marijuana), estimated to be worth approximately ₹13 crore (approximately $1.3 billion) in the international market. Foreign currency worth ₹8.7 million (approximately $1.8 million) was also seized.
Isolated cases of hydroponic weed seizures
In the first case, a passenger arriving in Mumbai from Colombo on flight UL143 was intercepted and 2.568 kilograms of hydroponic weed was recovered from his trolley bag. In the second case, a passenger arriving from Bangkok on flight 6E-1052 was found carrying 2.390 kilograms of hydroponic weed hidden in packets of chocolate and chips. In the third case, a passenger arriving from Bangkok on flight SL218 was found carrying 1.144 kilograms of hydroponic weed hidden in shampoo bottles.
Major seizures and arrests
In the fourth case, 6.975 kilograms of hydroponic weed was recovered from the baggage of a passenger arriving from Bangkok on flight AI2353. In all these cases, the passengers were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
Foreign currency seizure and strict surveillance
In the fifth case, foreign currency worth ₹8.7 million (approximately $1.8 million) was recovered from the trolley bag of a passenger arriving from Dubai on flight AI2201, following which he was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962. The Mumbai Customs Department stated that these actions demonstrate strict surveillance of international smuggling networks and the strength of its intelligence system. The department stated that surveillance will be further tightened in the coming days to prevent such smuggling.
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