Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai seized hydroponic weed valued at over Rs 17.93 crore and gold worth Rs 25.64 lakh in three separate cases, officials said on Friday, reported news agency PTI.

The seizures were made on Wednesday, an official said.

In the first case, Customs officials arrested a passenger who had arrived from Bangkok with 5.922 kg of hydroponic weed worth Rs 5.922 crore. The contraband was concealed in a trolley bag, he said.

In the second incident, two passengers who had travelled from Bangkok were intercepted. Customs officials collectively recovered 12.017 kg of suspected hydroponic weed valued at Rs 12.017 crore, he said, reported PTI.

The drug was hidden inside chocolate and chips packets, he said, adding that both passengers were arrested.

Hydroponic weed, a potent and expensive form of ganja, is cultivated using water-based, nutrient-rich solutions instead of traditional soil methods.

In another case, a passenger arriving from Dubai was apprehended with eight pieces of 24 KT gold bangles, weighing 225 grams, worth Rs 25.64 lakh, reported PTI.

Customs authorities said investigations are underway to trace the wider network linked to the seized narcotics and smuggling attempts.

Hashish valued at Rs 12 lakh seized in Palghar district, one held

In another case, the police in Maharashtra`s Palghar district have seized hashish valued at Rs 12 lakh and arrested one person in connection with the seizure, an official said on Friday, reported PTI.

Acting on a tip-off, the police intercepted a man, who identified himself as Simon Jetya Valvi, on a motorcycle near the Chikhla beach around 4 am on Thursday, he said, reported PTI.

A search of the two-wheeler led to the recovery of 600 grams of hashish, a recreational drug, worth nearly Rs 12 lakh.

A case has been registered against the man at the Gholwad police station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

“This operation reflects our continued focus on dismantling illegal drug networks in Palghar district. All police station in-charges and the local crime branch have been instructed to take strict action against those involved in narcotics trade and other unlawful activities,” said Palghar Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh, reported PTI.

He added that the district police are also maintaining a close watch on coastal and border areas, which are often used as transit points for narcotics movement.

(With inputs from PTI)

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