Mumbai Airport officials are on high alert after another bust involving drugs and precious metals. A passenger flying in from Bangkok was arrested for allegedly trying to sneak in marijuana concealed in food packets, while officials also intercepted five different gold smuggling attempts. The total worth of the seized items reached an eye-watering ₹1.70 crore.
Passenger Caught With Marijuana Stashed in Food Packets
A routine check took a sharp turn when officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) found 596 grams of marijuana inside food packets hidden within a trolley bag. The contraband, valued at ₹59.60 lakh, was smuggled in by a passenger traveling from Bangkok.
- Concealment: Marijuana was hidden in food packets inside a trolley bag.
- Arrest: The passenger was taken into custody immediately upon detection.
- Customs response: “Mumbai Airport continues to exemplify stringent security measures, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers by thwarting illegal activities,” stated an official.
The swift interception underscores the airport’s determination to maintain high-security standards. Investigations are now underway to identify the networks involved in the transport and distribution of the marijuana.
Five Cases of Gold Smuggling Intercepted
The AIU team had another eventful night when they discovered gold worth ₹1.10 crore on passengers arriving at Mumbai Airport. These seizures took place between Saturday night and early Sunday morning.
Details of the Seizure:
Total Gold Seized |
Number of Cases |
Estimated Value |
1.531 kilograms |
5 |
₹1.10 crore |
The gold was concealed both in hand baggage and on the bodies of passengers. Authorities are now looking into the logistics behind the smuggling, seeking out both the suppliers and intended recipients.
Customs’ Vigilance Proving Effective Against Illegal Trade
It’s becoming clear that Mumbai Airport is a target for smugglers hoping to bypass India’s customs laws. The vigilance displayed by the AIU serves as a strong deterrent. Airport officials are adopting increasingly sophisticated techniques to stay ahead of smuggling networks.
Gold and drug smuggling cases often reveal a pattern—travelers carrying these items are sometimes couriers working for organized syndicates. Customs officials confirmed they are probing deeper into both incidents, aiming to dismantle the criminal networks.