Kolkata: The officials of Mumbai Customs Zone-III seized 24.96 kg of hydroponic ganja at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI Airport) on Thursday in a major crackdown against drug smuggling.
The value of the seized drugs in the international market is estimated at Rs 24.66 crore. The drugs were seized on June 18, 2025. Acting on a special intelligence tip, customs officers intercepted two passengers from Bangkok. A thorough search of his belongings revealed hydroponic cannabis hidden in a vacuum pack.
After this, as part of a well-planned operation, the person who was present outside the airport to receive the drug consignment was also arrested. In this way, two passengers and one receiver, a total of three people have been arrested.
A case has been registered against the three accused under the NDPS Act, 1985. Initial investigations indicate that it is part of an international drug trafficking ring. Further investigation is on to identify other people involved in this network.
Meanwhile, last week, Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against a Dubai-based drug cartel that smuggled 1,289 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic Thai marijuana into the national capital using several pharma companies of South India and Gujarat.
There are 19 accused in this case, out of which 14 have been arrested, including former Congress leader Tushar Goyal. The remaining 5 accused are said to be absconding. According to an India Express report, the absconding accused include Dubai-based businessman Virendra Basoya, his sons Rishabh Basoya (25), Hrithik Bajaj (36), Pramod (50), and Vikas Rane (49).
