Hydroponic Weed Valued At Rs 25 Crore Smuggled From Thailand Seized At Mumbai Airport; 3 Arrested

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 20:45 IST

Customs said 24.96 kg of hydroponic weed – a high-grade, greenhouse-grown variant of cannabis – was concealed in vacuum-sealed packets inside the luggage of the accused

Customs seized drugs and diamonds worth crores at the Mumbai international airport in two back-to-back operations. (Image: News18)

Customs seized hydroponic weed worth Rs 24.66 crore, smuggled from Thailand, at the Mumbai international airport. Three persons, including two passengers, were arrested in this connection, officials said on Thursday.

According to customs officials, two passengers arriving from Bangkok were intercepted on Wednesday (June 18) and a detailed check of their luggage uncovered 24.96 kg of hydroponic weed – a high-grade, greenhouse-grown variant of cannabis – concealed in vacuum-sealed packets. The consignment was valued at Rs 24.66 crore.

Officials said in a follow-up sting operation, a third person was arrested. The individual was meant to be the receiver of the contraband and was waiting outside the terminal.

All the three accused were booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. An investigation is underway to trace the broader network, which is suspected to be linked to an international drug syndicate, officials said.

DIAMONDS AND SAUDI CURRENCY SEIZED

Customs claimed to have foiled another attempt to smuggle diamonds worth crores and foreign currency on June 17. Officials said they intercepted an Indian national set to depart for Dubai via an IndiGo flight.

Acting on a tip-off, officers conducted a baggage and personnel search that led to the recovery of 50,000 Saudi riyals (approximately Rs 11.15 lakh), lab-grown diamonds weighing 406.90 carats valued at Rs 47.22 lakh, and natural diamonds weighing 245.30 carats worth Rs 1.23 crore.

According to the customs department, the diamonds – together weighing 652.20 carats and valued at Rs 1.70 crore – were hidden inside three pouches concealed within the passenger’s body cavity, while the foreign currency was stashed in a black sling bag.

The entire haul was seized under provisions of the Customs Act, and an investigation is on to identify the source and destination of the smuggled goods, officials said.

Officials further said these incidents reflect the evolving techniques used by smugglers – from concealing diamonds in body cavity to tightly packing narcotics in luggage.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with...

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