By Srinivas Iyer
Customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI), Mumbai Zone-III, intercepted multiple passengers carrying narcotics, undeclared foreign currency, and unclaimed gold during operations conducted from 21st to 24th September 2025.
In a major seizure, a passenger arriving from Colombo on flight UL-141 was found with 2.624 kg of suspected Hydroponic Weed (Marijuana) hidden in a checked trolley bag, valued at approximately ₹2.624 crore. The passenger was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Similarly, another passenger arriving from Bangkok on flight SQ-424 was intercepted with 18.400 kg of suspected Hydroponic Weed in checked baggage, estimated at ₹18.400 crore. The passenger was also arrested under the NDPS Act.
On the foreign currency front, passengers travelling from Mumbai to Dubai on flight EK-509 were caught carrying undeclared currency worth ₹7.11 lakh and ₹49.38 lakh, concealed in hand bags. Another passenger flying to Jakarta on flight 6E 1601 was found with ₹19.17 lakh in undeclared currency.
In a separate incident, Customs officers recovered 365 grams of unclaimed gold dust in oval form near the Immigration Clearance Counters at the arrivals area. The gold, provisionally valued at ₹38.10 lakh, was seized under the Customs Act, 1962. These operations underscore the vigilance of Mumbai Customs in preventing smuggling and enforcing the provisions of the NDPS and Customs Acts.
