**Mumbai Airport Customs Arrest Two Persons for Smuggling Hydroponic Weed Valued at Rs 24 Crore**

Mumbai Airport Customs officers have arrested two individuals, including a woman, in separate cases involving the smuggling of hydroponic weed with a combined market value of Rs 24 crore.

**Passenger From Bangkok Intercepted**

According to Customs sources, on Monday, Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers intercepted Aswant Kumar (30), a resident of Jalandhar, on suspicion of carrying contraband. Kumar had arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, from Bangkok.

Upon examination of his check-in baggage, officers found 12 packets filled with a greenish-colored dry flowering and fruiting substance in lump form. Tests confirmed the substance as hydroponic weed (marijuana), which is prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The seized consignment weighed 17.86 kg and has an illicit market value of approximately Rs 17.86 crore.

In his statement to Customs, Kumar admitted knowing that smuggling hydroponic weed and other illegal drugs into India attracts stringent punishment. He was subsequently arrested on Tuesday.

**Passenger From Phuket Intercepted**

In a separate incident, Customs officers arrested Tasnumnnisa Shaikh, a resident of Ambernath, Thane, after she arrived from Phuket on Monday. On opening her trolley bag, officers found 45 packets containing a green-colored dry leafy substance in lump form. Tests confirmed the substance as hydroponic weed, weighing 6.37 kg.

Shaikh admitted to non-declaration, concealment, recovery, and seizure of the narcotics.

**Ongoing Investigation**

Preliminary investigations in both cases have revealed the involvement of additional individuals yet to be traced. Authorities are making efforts to identify and apprehend key associates involved in the smuggling operation.

Officials stated that the investigations are in the early stages and updates will be provided as the case progresses.

**Legal Proceedings**

Advocates Arun Gupta, Birender Yadav, and Priti Singh represented the arrested individuals in court. Following the hearing, the accused were remanded to judicial custody.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-airport-customs-arrest-2-passengers-for-smuggling-hydroponic-weed-worth-24-crore-at-csmia