The Customs Department seized hydroponic weed worth Rs 12.4 crore at the Mumbai international airport from three separate groups of passengers arriving from Bangkok over a period of four days, and arrested six of them, officials said on Wednesday, reported news agency PTI.

The operation was conducted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) between Saturday to Tuesday, during which it also seized electronic items worth more than Rs 56 lakh and arrested three other passengers from Sharjah, they said, reported PTI.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officers of Mumbai Customs Zone III intercepted three separate groups of passengers from Bangkok. Searches of their baggage led to the recovery of a total of 12.418 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana), valued at about Rs 12.418 crore, an official said, reported PTI.

The narcotics were concealed inside the trolley bags carried by the passengers. A total of six passengers were arrested in three separate cases under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, he said.

In another case, officials intercepted three passengers arriving from Sharjah, he said.

Examination of their baggage resulted in the seizure of 40 iPhone 17 Pro Max units, 30 laptops, 12 liquor bottles, and cigarettes, together valued at Rs 56.55 lakh, he said, reported PTI.

These goods were found concealed inside trolley bags. The three passengers were placed under arrest in connection with offences under the Customs Act, he said, adding that further investigations are underway.

Man held with mephedrone worth Rs 2.8 lakh in Navi Mumbai

In another, the police have arrested a 25-year-old man and seized banned drug mephedrone (MD) worth about Rs 2.8 lakh from him in Navi Mumbai, an official said on Saturday, reported PTI.

The police`s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (Konkan Action Division) carried out the arrest and drug seizure, an official release said.

The release stated that the operation took place on October 22 when officers of the task force were on patrolling duty off Palm Beach Road in Vashi. During the drive, they noticed a person moving suspiciously, and upon questioning, he gave evasive replies, reported PTI.

The individual was detained and searched, leading to the recovery of 28 grams of mephedrone, a synthetic stimulant drug, valued at approximately Rs 2.8 lakh in illicit market along with Rs 5,721 in cash and a mobile phone, it said, reported PTI.

The accused was identified as Ramzan Imam Sheikh (25), a resident of Turbhe in Navi Mumbai. A case was registered against him at the APMC police station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, according to the release.

(With inputs from PTI)

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