The Air Intelligence Unit of Mumbai Airport Customs on Saturday arrested a Chennai based man for allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed valued at nearly Rs 1 crore from Bangkok. The arrested person has also told the agency officials that he had agreed to work as a mule for his friend who had sponsored his Bangkok trip.
According to the Customs sources, on the basis of specific Intelligence that he might be carrying some narcotic substance, a passenger Mohamed Shafic Mohamed Anwar arrived at CSMI Airport from Bangkok on 16.05.2025, was intercepted at the airport. The Customs officers recovered and seized four packets containing 996 grams of Hydroponic Weed (Marijuana) valued at Rs 1 crore from the baggage of the passenger.
"Mohamed Shafic Mohamed Anwar is engaged in car rental services and earns Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 monthly. On 13.05.2025, the accused had gone to Bangkok from Chennai Airport. In Bangkok, he stayed in a hotel along with his friend Keerti alias Tony. On 13.05.2025 & 14.05.2025, he toured the Bangkok city and invited his relatives for his scheduled wedding by giving his wedding card. On 15.05.2025, he purchased a trolley Bag and stuffed it with lots of eatables. While packing the bag his friend Keerti alias Tony gave him a metal tin box and asked him to take it to Chennai," said a Customs official.
"Keerti told the complainant that someone will call him, after he will reach Chennai, to receive these packets from him. Keerti did not give any other details to him and told him the receiver would identify the accused with the help of a photograph which he would send to the receiver from Bangkok. Further, the accused has admitted the smuggling was done by him for Keerti who is his friend and who has sponsored his Bangkok trip. The accused have claimed that he aided and abetted in the smuggling of Hydroponic Weed for the first time. The accused also stated that he was fully aware of the consequences of smuggling of Marijuana and he has done so for quid pro quo i.e. his stay at Bangkok," the official said.
Advocates Ashish Ashok Singh and Birendra Yadav argued for the accused in court after which the court granted bail to the accused passenger.
