The Mumbai Customs on Monday said that it rescued exotic animals and seized hydroponic weed and drones at Mumbai airport in different operations over the weekend.

It said that the officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) seized a significant quantity of narcotics, high-value drones, and exotic wildlife smuggled into the country.

The operations took place during routine checks and based on specific intelligence inputs between October 4 and 5.

In one of the cases, a passenger arriving from Bangkok was caught with 1.964 kg of hydroponic marijuana hidden in their trolley bag. The illegal drug is estimated to be worth around Rs 1.964 crore in the black market. The suspect was arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Another Bangkok passenger was intercepted while attempting to smuggle live and dead exotic animals concealed in luggage.

The seizure from the passenger included 19 iguanas, 10 orange bearded dragons, 1 dead raccoon, 1 quince monitor lizard, 3 squirrels (2 critical, 1 dead) and 2 dead central american squirrel monkeys.

“The passenger was arrested under the Customs Act, 1962 and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972,” said an official.

In an another case, the Mumbai Customs officials intercepted a passenger from Colombo who was carrying advanced drones worth Rs 32.19 lakh, hidden in a trolley bag.

The list included top models like DJI MAVIC 4 Pro, DJI MATRICE 4T, 4E, DJI INSPIRE 3 and DJI AVATA 2.

In separate case, two passengers, both also arriving from Bangkok, were found in poccession with 1.93 kg and 1.933 kg of hydroponic marijuana respectively. It was concealed in their baggage. Each consignment was worth nearly Rs 1.93 crore on the illicit market. Both passengers were arrested under the NDPS Act.

An official said that the Mumbai Customs officials continue to maintain strict surveillance and swift action against illegal smuggling activities.

Source