In a series of coordinated operations conducted between 8th and 11th October 2025, officers of Mumbai Customs Zone-III (Airport) have busted a major smuggling network, seizing suspected NDPS (Hydroponic Weed) weighing 44.012 kilograms, valued at approximately Rs. 44.01 crore in the illicit market.
In addition to the narcotics seizure, officers made a startling recovery of several exotic and protected wildlife species being smuggled into India in violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) norms.
The seized species included — Pacman Frogs, Colombian Dwarf Tarantula, Tarantula, Red Tegu, Argentine Black and White Tegu, Rainbow Boa, Honduran Milk Snake, California Kingsnake, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Common Cuscus, Green Iguana, Bearded Dragon, and Common Blue-Tongued Skink, spread across eight distinct cases.
A total of ten passengers were arrested in connection with these seizures. The arrests have been made under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 and relevant wildlife protection laws.
According to Customs officials, the seizures were made as part of intensified surveillance and profiling of incoming passengers based on intelligence inputs. The detection highlights the increasing trend of dual contraband smuggling — narcotics and wildlife — through air routes, and underscores the vigilance of Mumbai Customs in curbing transnational crimes at Indian airports.
The seized wildlife species have been handed over to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and Forest Department for necessary rehabilitation and investigation. Further inquiry is underway to identify the broader network and handlers involved in the smuggling racket.
