The Mumbai Customs Zone–III (Airport) carried out multiple enforcement operations between 07.05.2026 and 08.05.2026, resulting in the seizure of suspected narcotic substances and foreign currency collectively involving crores of rupees.
Authorities stated that a total of 19.815 kilograms of suspected Hydroponic Weed, valued at approximately ₹19.815 crores in the illicit market, was recovered during the operations. In addition, foreign currency amounting to 1,00,000 US Dollars was also seized.
According to Customs officials, the operations were conducted on the basis of intelligence inputs, passenger profiling, and surveillance at the airport. The suspected contraband was allegedly being smuggled through international routes by passengers attempting to evade Customs checks. The seizures form part of intensified monitoring by airport Customs authorities against drug trafficking and illegal cross-border movement of foreign exchange.
Officials stated that Hydroponic Weed, commonly considered a high-grade form of cannabis cultivated using hydroponic techniques, has increasingly become the subject of international narcotics smuggling due to its high market demand and elevated street value. The seized quantity, estimated at nearly 20 kilograms, is considered a substantial recovery in airport interdiction operations.
The Customs department also recovered foreign currency amounting to USD 1,00,000 from passengers during the enforcement action. Authorities are examining whether the currency was being carried in contravention of the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), including alleged non-declaration and unlawful transportation of foreign exchange.
In connection with the seizures, a total of four passengers were arrested by Customs authorities. The arrested individuals are presently being investigated regarding the origin, intended destination, and possible international syndicate links connected with the smuggling activities. Officials are also probing whether the passengers acted independently or as part of an organized trafficking network operating across borders.
The suspected narcotic substances have been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act). If confirmed as narcotic contraband upon forensic examination, the offences may attract stringent penal consequences under various provisions of the NDPS Act relating to possession, transportation, import, export, and trafficking of prohibited substances.
Read More: Who Is Required To Deduct TDS Under GST?
