The Airport Special Cargo unit of Mumbai Customs (Zone III) has successfully intercepted a consignment containing 489 grams of cocaine, cleverly concealed under the guise of “Artificial Flowers & Cards.” 

The seizure was made at the international cargo terminal, with two individuals, including a foreign national, taken into custody.

The consignment was flagged during a routine inspection. On further scrutiny, officers uncovered white powdery substances hidden in yellow envelopes and pockets labeled as decorative items. The contraband was subsequently tested and identified as cocaine, weighing approximately 0.492 kg (as per the electronic weighing machine in the seized images shared by the Customs Department).

Coordinated Enforcement

The bust reflects the heightened vigilance at Mumbai’s air cargo complex, which has been a known transit point for high-value smuggled goods and narcotics. Officers from Mumbai Customs Zone III acted promptly on profiling and risk analysis inputs to isolate the suspicious parcel.

Images shared by the department on X (formerly Twitter) show the yellow envelopes and plastic bag filled with the white substance placed on digital weighing scales, reinforcing the precision of the operation.

Arrests and Investigation

The two arrested individuals include an Indian national and a foreigner. Authorities have yet to reveal their identities or the exact origin and intended destination of the contraband. However, officials confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway, focusing on uncovering the supply chain and identifying any broader drug trafficking syndicate behind the operation.

Customs’ Statement

In a public statement, Mumbai Customs said: “Officers of the Airport Special Cargo, Mumbai Customs – Zone III, interdicted and seized 489 grams of cocaine, from consignment declared as ‘Artificial Flowers & Cards.’ So far, 2 persons including one foreign national have been arrested. Further investigation is in progress.”

Broader Implications

This seizure underscores the increasingly deceptive methods employed by traffickers, who attempt to exploit low-risk commercial cargo descriptions to evade detection. Customs officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining strict vigilance and encouraged logistics operators to report suspicious shipments.

As the probe continues, further revelations are expected regarding the international linkages of the smuggling network.

Read More: Customs Act | Penalty Can Be Levied Only If Goods Are Liable To Confiscated: CESTAT