In a significant crackdown on international smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested seven individuals at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in two separate cases, seizing contraband valued at ₹5.5 crore.
Case 1: Six Passengers Caught with Electronics and Tobacco
On May 17, 2025, six passengers—Suleman Shaikh, Sirajuddin Patel, Paras Palekar, Shafi Shaikh, Faraz Shaikh, and Aman Talwani—arrived from Sharjah on an Air Arabia flight … After crossing the airport’s green channel, they were intercepted by DRI officials. A thorough search revealed:
- 112 iPhones
- 102 refurbished laptops
- 6 Google Pixel phones
- 216 cosmetic items
- Approximately 95 kg of tobacco
The total value of the seized goods is estimated at ₹1.48 crore. Investigators suspect the group is part of a larger international sm … . All six individuals have been remanded to 14 days … Defense attorneys argued that the mobile phones were second-hand, contesting the charges.
Case 2: Chadian National Nabbed with Gold Hidden in Sandals
In a separate incident, Abakar Ali Mahamat, … Chad, was apprehended for attempting to smuggle 4 kg of gold worth ₹4 crore. The gold was ingeniously concealed in the soles of his sandals. This brings the total value of seized contraband in both cases to ₹5.5 crore.
Rising Trend of Smuggling at Mumbai Airport
These incidents are part of a growing trend of smuggling activities at Mumbai’s international airport. In recent months, authorities have uncovered several smuggling attempts involving both passengers and airport staff:
- An immigration officer and a Bangladeshi national were arrested for smuggling 1.4 kg of gold dust worth ₹1.2 crore.
- A CISF official and an Iranian entrepreneur were among four individuals caught smuggling gold valued at ₹4.5 crore.
- Two airport staff members were apprehended for smuggling gold dust worth ₹2.67 crore.
These cases highlight the need for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement to combat smuggling operations at major transit points.
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