Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 6: In a major operation on July 5, officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, seized hydroponic marijuana, exotic wildlife species, and gold valued at over Rs 11 cr at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Four individuals were arrested in connection with three separate cases.

In the first case, an Indian national arriving from Bangkok was intercepted based on specific intelligence. Upon examining his checked-in baggage and conducting a personal search, officials recovered 9.662 kg of hydroponic marijuana, estimated to be worth Rs 9.662 cr in the illegal market. The contraband was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985, and the passenger was taken into custody.

In another case, Customs officials apprehended a passenger arriving from Bangkok and discovered exotic wildlife hidden in his baggage. The recovered species included one live raccoon, three dead raccoons, three dead black fox squirrels, 29 live green iguanas, and eight dead green iguanas. As these animals are not native to India, they were handed over to airline staff for deportation. The passenger was arrested under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Customs Act, 1962.

In the third incident, two passengers travelling from Dubai were intercepted and found to be smuggling 1.650 kg of 24KT gold valued at Rs 1.49 cr. The gold was concealed inside body cavities and clothing. Both individuals were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Customs authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing and strict legal action has been initiated in all three cases.