Administrator
20 March 2026
Investigations revealed that in an overnight operation on March 17, 2026, officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Mumbai Customs Zone–III demonstrated exceptional vigilance and coordination in intercepting multiple drug smuggling attempts at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
Intelligence developed using the Advanced Passenger Information system (APIS) and Spot Profiling, AIU officers identified and intercepted 04 passengers arriving from Bangkok, whose alertness and timely intervention led to the detection of 04 cases involving the smuggling of suspected hydroponic weed.
A thorough examination resulted in the recovery of approximately 64.394 kilograms of the contraband, with an estimated illicit market value of ₹64.394 crore. Among those apprehended, one was a foreign national, indicating a new modus operandi of involving foreign nationals to carry large quantities. All 04 individuals have been placed under arrest in accordance with the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Notably, during the financial year 2025–26 up to March 18, 2026, the Airport Commissionerate at CSMIA has seized over 1,330 kilograms of hydroponic weed across 244 cases, resulting in the arrest of 286 individuals. This reflects sustained enforcement efforts and reinforces the department’s zero-tolerance approach toward drug smuggling.
