Mumbai Customs Zone-III has conducted significant operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) over the past week, from January 21 to January 29, 2026. The airport commissionerate team, using spot checks, API profiling, and intelligence inputs, intercepted multiple smuggling attempts involving drugs, gold, diamonds, and foreign currency. The total estimated market value of the seized contraband exceeds ₹35 crore.
The most notable success came in the narcotics category. In four separate cases involving passengers arriving from Bangkok, authorities seized a total of 26.522 kilograms of suspected hydroponic weed, a high-quality cannabis product. The illegal market value of the seized drugs is estimated at around ₹26.5 crore. The smugglers had concealed the narcotics cleverly inside trolley bags. All four passengers were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Customs officials also took strong action against gold smuggling. On January 27, in a special case, 1470 grams of 24-carat gold worth approximately ₹2.1 crore was recovered. The case involved a Bangladeshi transit passenger and a staff member of HRPL (Hardcastle Restaurants Private Limited) at CSMIA. The gold was smuggled by body packing, hidden inside the passenger’s body. Both individuals have been arrested.
Additionally, in four other gold smuggling cases, 2162 grams of 24-carat gold valued at around ₹2.89 crore were seized from four different passengers. Smugglers had hidden gold sheets or biscuits inside clothing. In a separate case, 2132 grams (10,660 carats) of diamonds worth ₹1.81 crore were found concealed in check-in baggage.
In three cases involving foreign currency smuggling, customs officials recovered foreign currency worth ₹1.18 crore from four passengers. The cash was hidden in both check-in and hand baggage.
The Mumbai Customs Commissioner stated that surveillance at the airport has been intensified to prevent smuggling activities. The team relies on spot profiling, intelligence gathering, and the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) to detect and foil such attempts. Authorities have issued a stern warning that a zero-tolerance policy will be enforced against smugglers, with strict legal action for offenders.
These successful seizures have dealt a significant blow to international smuggling networks, especially in drugs and gold. As a major gateway to India, Mumbai airport continues to maintain heightened vigilance. Customs officials have urged passengers to comply with legal limits and refrain from participating in smuggling activities.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment