In a significant enforcement operation conducted between July 15 and July 20, 2025, the officers of Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs, Zone-III, seized a total of 7.318 kilograms of suspected hydroponic weed and 99 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine phosphate.
The seizures were made in four separate cases at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport. A total of four passengers were arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Case 1: 610 Grams of Hydroponic Weed Seized from Bangkok Passenger
The first case occurred on the night of July 14-15, 2025, when Customs officers intercepted a passenger arriving from Bangkok. Upon detailed examination, officials recovered 610 grams of hydroponic weed hidden inside a trolley bag. The individual was placed under arrest and booked under the NDPS Act.
Case 2: Over 5 Kilograms of Hydroponic Weed Found Concealed in Check-In Bag
On July 15-16, 2025, a second passenger, also arriving from Bangkok, was intercepted by Customs officials based on profiling. The officers discovered 5.256 kilograms of hydroponic weed concealed in the check-in baggage. The smuggled contraband was seized, and the passenger was arrested.
Case 3: Intelligence Input Leads to 1.452 Kilograms of Seized Weed
In a third case on July 16-17, 2025, specific intelligence led to the interception of another passenger from Bangkok. Upon inspection, officials recovered 1.452 kilograms of hydroponic weed hidden in a trolley bag. This passenger was also arrested under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.
Case 4: Codeine Phosphate Syrup Seized from Outbound Riyadh Passenger
The fourth case occurred on July 19-20, 2025, and involved a passenger departing from Mumbai to Riyadh. Based on prior information, the Customs team intercepted the individual and recovered 99 bottles of cough syrup containing codeine phosphate, a controlled substance under the NDPS Act. The bottles, each of 100ml, were concealed in check-in baggage. The passenger was taken into custody.
Customs Reiterates Vigilance Against Narcotics Trafficking
These operations underscore the growing concern regarding the smuggling of synthetic and pharmaceutical drugs through international air routes. Customs authorities have reiterated their commitment to curbing narcotics trafficking and have assured that further investigations are underway to dismantle the networks involved.
Passengers are advised to strictly comply with Indian narcotics laws and to avoid carrying any substances prohibited under the NDPS Act. Mumbai Customs has emphasized that any violation will attract serious legal consequences.
