By Mewati Sitaram
In two high-stakes operations within just 48 hours, Mumbai Customs Zone-III officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport successfully intercepted major smuggling attempts involving foreign currency, precious diamonds, and a massive consignment of hydroponic weed, underlining the increasing sophistication and audacity of transnational smuggling networks.
On June 17, 2025, acting on specific intelligence, Customs officers intercepted an Indian national preparing to depart for Dubai via Indigo Flight No. 6E 1511. Upon examination of his baggage and personal search, officials uncovered foreign currency totaling 50,000 Saudi Riyal (approximately ₹11.15 lakh), along with a cache of diamonds — 406.90 carats of lab-grown diamonds worth ₹47.22 lakh and 245.30 carats of natural diamonds valued at ₹1.23 crore. The diamonds were ingeniously concealed in three pouches inside the passenger’s body cavity, while the foreign currency was hidden in a black sling bag. The total seizure amounted to ₹1.71 crore. The passenger was detained, and further investigation is underway.
Barely a day later, on June 18, 2025, Customs officers made another major bust when they seized 24.96 kilograms of hydroponic weed smuggled in from Thailand. Two passengers arriving from Bangkok were intercepted based on specific inputs, and their luggage was found to contain vacuum-sealed packages of the high-grade contraband with a market value of ₹24.66 crore. Acting swiftly, officials also apprehended the intended receiver who was waiting outside the airport to collect the consignment. All three individuals have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Preliminary investigations in both cases point to the involvement of international smuggling syndicates. Customs authorities have intensified their efforts to trace the broader networks and operatives linked to these high-value seizures.
These twin crackdowns underscore the vigilance of Mumbai Customs in preventing the misuse of Indian airports for illicit trafficking and reaffirm their commitment to national security and economic integrity.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
