Mumbai: The Mumbai Airport Customs Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officials have arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly smuggling Hydroponic Weed worth Rs 40 lakh from Bangkok.
Officers of AIU, intercepted one passenger A.Z. Rangwala, a Surat resident, on the basis of suspicion that he might be carrying some contraband items, after he arrived at CSMI Airport on 24.03.2025 from Bangkok.
Search of the baggage of Rangwala was carried out. The officers after checking his trolley bag noticed that the same were filled with various types of food items and clothes. On further examination at the bottom of the bag, the officer found one vaccum sealed transparent plastic-like material packet containing green coloured dry leafy substance.
"On cutting the transparent plastic-like material packet, the same was found stuffed with greenish coloured dry leafy substance in lumps form having a strong pungent smell. The officer tested the same using Field Testing Kit of NDPS substance which showed positive result for hydroponic weed (Marijuana), a substance covered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act," said an AIU official.
The officer then weighed the total greenish coloured dry leafy substance, which resulted into recovery of total net weight 400 grams of hydroponic weed worth Rs 40 lakh, which was seized on the reasonable belief that it was being smuggled into India.
In his statement, Rangwala admitted possession, concealment, carriage and recovery of the said goods under seizure and also that smuggling of drugs or illicit goods is punishable offence in India.
"He was aware that smuggling of hydroponic weed (Marijuana) and other illegal drugs into India attracts stringent punishment as per laws prevalent in India. The investigations in the case are at a very preliminary stage and efforts are also being made to identify and apprehend key associates of the accused," the official said.
Advocates Gurudayal Pandey and Ashish Singh argued for the accused in the court following which he was granted bail.
