Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 22 : The Customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai apprehended three passengers and seized a large quantity of narcotics in two separate cases during the duty of October 20-21, said the agency.
The first case, based on specific intel, led to the interception of two passengers who arrived from Hong Kong on flight CX-663. Upon examination of their checked-in trolley bag, customs officials recovered 7.864 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (Marijuana). The illicit substance has an estimated market value of approximately Rs 7.86 crore. Both individuals were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, said the Customs in a press note.
In the second case, also stemming from specific intel, officers intercepted one passenger arriving from Bangkok on flight 6E-1052. A search of the passenger's checked-in trolley bag led to the discovery of 11.922 kg of suspected Hydroponic Weed, with an illicit market value of approximately ₹11.922 crores. The passenger was subsequently arrested under the NDPS Act.
The combined haul from the two interceptions amounts to 19.786 kg of suspected Hydroponic Weed, with a total estimated value of ₹19.786 crores. All the narcotic substances were concealed within the passengers' checked-in luggage.
The Mumbai Customs Zone-III has confirmed the arrests, and the cases are under further investigation in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act.