In a series of swift operations, Mumbai Customs officers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI) have intercepted three separate smuggling attempts over as many days, seizing narcotics worth over ₹5.20 crore and multiple exotic wildlife species.
On August 9, 2025, officers, acting on passenger profiling, intercepted a traveller arriving from Bangkok on flight 6E1052. A search of the passenger’s checked-in trolley bag led to the recovery of 2.873 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana), valued at approximately ₹2.87 crore. The passenger was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The following day, August 10, another Bangkok passenger arriving on flight 6E1060 was stopped during baggage screening. Customs officers recovered 2.339 kg of suspected hydroponic weed, valued at ₹2.33 crore, concealed in the trolley bag. The passenger was also arrested under the NDPS Act.
On August 11, acting on specific intelligence, officers intercepted a passenger from Bangkok on flight 6E1052 and uncovered a concealed haul of live exotic wildlife. The seized species included three meerkats, one common blue-tongued skink, one four-eyed turtle, two iguanas (red and green), multiple tarantula species, three Ceram mangrove monitor lizards, and several tree crickets. The passenger was taken into custody under the Customs Act, 1962, read with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Customs authorities confirmed that all three passengers are in custody, and investigations are ongoing to identify the source networks and intended recipients of the contraband.
