Mumbai – Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport apprehended a traveler attempting to smuggle 14.738 kilograms of suspected hydroponic marijuana, valued at approximately ₹14.73 crore, concealed in what was falsely declared as diplomatic cargo. The incident occurred on Sunday, August 3, 2025, when the passenger arrived from Bangkok.
Acting on specific intelligence, Customs officers intercepted the individual and conducted a thorough inspection of their luggage. Inside a trolley bag, they discovered the contraband hidden within envelopes marked with purported Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) insignia and sealed with official-looking MEA tape. The package was labeled as a “Diplomatic Pouch of Ministry of External Affairs,” a tactic the suspect used to misrepresent the consignment as confidential diplomatic cargo tied to national security, according to a Customs official.
Further examination revealed additional deceptive measures, including copies of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reports and fabricated “top secret mission” documents tucked inside the bag. These items were likely intended to lend credibility to the false diplomatic claim and evade scrutiny.
The seized marijuana, identified as hydroponic weed, is a high-potency form of cannabis cultivated without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions. Its substantial street value underscores the scale of the smuggling attempt. The passenger was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the origins of the forged MEA materials and the intended recipients of the contraband in Mumbai.
Customs officials are also probing the source of the marijuana in Bangkok and the network behind this sophisticated smuggling operation. The case highlights the ongoing challenge of drug trafficking through international airports and the vigilance of Mumbai’s Customs Service in thwarting such attempts. Further details on the suspect’s identity and the investigation’s progress are yet to be disclosed as authorities continue their inquiries.
Mumbai Airport Bust: Smuggler Caught with ₹14.73 Crore Marijuana Disguised as Diplomatic Cargo
