Drugs and gold: Customs discovers millions in Mumbai airport!

Drugs and gold: Customs discovers millions in Mumbai airport!

At the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai, the headlines surrounding drug and gold smuggling are piling up. In a series of landmark seizures from November 6 to 8, 2025, the customs officials seized drugs with a total value of over Rs 14 crore and gold worth Rs 37.74 lakh. The investigation suggests that perpetrators are becoming increasingly desperate, the smuggling business is flourishing and authorities are working tirelessly to unmask the masterminds behind these criminal activities. Free Press Journal reports several cases unfolding shortly.

In a particularly explosive case, a passenger arriving from Bangkok was caught with 2.87 kg of hydroponic weed, the market value of which was approximately Rs 2.87 crore. Other similar cases from Bangkok include a total of 4.02kg, 3.99kg and 2.94kg of marijuana hidden in passengers' checked trolley bags. The passengers in question were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

New trends in drug trafficking

The latest concern among customs officials is specifically hydroponic weed shipments, which are considered a particularly potent form of marijuana. According to Mid-Day, a passenger was even arrested with 5,922 kg of hydroponic cannabis kept in a trolley. The arrest of two other passengers from Bangkok who were found with 12,017 kg of the same substance in their chocolate and crisp packets also shows the creativity of the smugglers.

Additionally, in the same week, a passenger from Nairobi was intercepted with 22 kt of gold bars, weighing a total of 358 grams. The value of these gold bars is around Rs 37.74 lakh and shows that gold is also at a premium in the smuggling business. Customs authorities have launched immediate investigations to identify the larger network behind these illegal activities.

Global perspectives on drug trafficking

The situation in Mumbai is not isolated but reflects the challenges faced by many countries, particularly in Southeast Asia. Thailand plays a central role in the fight against illegal trading structures. It often acts as a logistics center for drugs that are smuggled across borders into numerous markets. According to a report by the UNODC, drug trafficking often goes hand in hand with other crimes such as wildlife trafficking and financial fraud. These complex relationships do not make the authorities' work any easier.

As authorities in Mumbai and Thailand continue their hunt for the masterminds behind the drug rings, it remains to be seen what other discoveries and arrests await us in the coming weeks. Concern about the drug trade and its far-reaching impact on society is evident and requires urgent attention.