Man Arrested With Hydroponic Weed Worth Rs 2.38 Crore at Mumbai Airport

Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai arrested a 25-year-old passenger on June 30 for allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed valued at Rs 2.38 crore. The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Airport Customs intercepted the passenger, identified as Moin Khan, a resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, based on specific intelligence.

Upon intercepting Khan after his arrival at the airport, AIU officers conducted a search of his baggage. Inside his trolley bag, which was stuffed with clothes and snacks, officers discovered seven brown-colored plastic packets. These packets contained a greenish-colored substance in lump form, which was identified as hydroponic weed.

The officers recovered and seized a total of 6,823 grams of hydroponic weed from the baggage. Following the seizure, Khan was served with a summons, and officials recorded his statement.

In his statement, Khan admitted he was aware that smuggling the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant, commonly known as ganja, and other illegal drugs into India attracts stringent legal punishment. However, he stated that he agreed to smuggle the contraband because he was offered a handsome amount of quick and easy money.

The Customs department has launched a broader probe to uncover the network behind the smuggling attempt. Preliminary investigations and the statement provided by the accused indicate the involvement of other individuals who have not yet been located.

"The investigation in the case is at a very preliminary stage, and efforts are also being made to identify and apprehend key members of the drug cartel," a Customs officer said. "We are probing who supplied the drugs to Khan and who was supposed to receive them in Mumbai."

Efforts are currently underway to trace the suppliers and the intended recipients of the contraband in the city.