The officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone–III, effected significant seizures during the period from 15th to 17th December 2025, leading to the arrest of five persons in multiple cases involving narcotics and gold smuggling worth Rs. 3.19 Crores.
Massive Drug Seizure from Bangkok Arrival
In one of the most notable cases during the operation, Customs officers intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok and recovered 8.467 kilograms of hydroponic weed, a high-potency form of cannabis. The contraband was ingeniously concealed to evade detection, but precise profiling and examination by Customs officers led to its recovery.
Hydroponic weed, known for its higher THC content and international trafficking links, is classified as a commercial quantity under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The seizure marks a significant blow to transnational drug syndicates operating through Southeast Asian routes into India.
The passenger was immediately placed under arrest, and further investigation is underway to identify the source, intended recipients, and possible syndicate involvement.
Gold Smuggling Rackets Busted: ₹3.19 Crore Worth Gold Seized
Alongside the narcotics seizure, Mumbai Customs Zone–III also detected three separate cases of gold smuggling, involving transit passengers as well as airport staff, highlighting the evolving and insider-assisted nature of smuggling operations.
In these cases, Customs officers recovered:
- 2.270 kilograms of 24-carat gold dust, valued at ₹2,89,73,690, and
- 230 grams of 24-carat gold, valued at ₹29,35,660
The total value of gold seized across the three cases stands at approximately ₹3.19 crore.
The gold was found concealed in sophisticated manners, including attempts to exploit transit movements and insider access at airport premises. The involvement of airport staff has raised serious concerns, and departmental as well as criminal proceedings have been initiated.
Arrests and Legal Action
A total of five passengers have been arrested in connection with the narcotics and gold smuggling cases. The arrests have been made under relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and in the case of narcotics, under the NDPS Act.
Customs authorities are conducting detailed follow-up investigations, including financial trail analysis, examination of mobile devices, and coordination with other enforcement agencies to dismantle the wider networks involved.
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