Mumbai: Customs at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) arrested two Indian passengers for smuggling 19.017 kg of hydroponic weed worth over Rs 6.65 crore in the illicit market from their baggage following their arrival from Bangkok.The arrested persons have been identified as Tejinder Gaba, 48, a resident of Karnal, Haryana, and Rohan Chandrakant Mahale, 31, a resident of Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra. Acting on specific intelligence, officers of the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) intercepted the duo after they arrived from Bangkok on Sunday morning.Officials conducted a detailed examination of their checked-in baggage, which led to the recovery of multiple vacuum-sealed packets concealed inside trolley bags.Gaba’s luggage contained nine vacuum-sealed packets hidden inside food packets, while Mahale’s trolley bag contained 11 similar packets. Upon opening the packets, officers found green-coloured dry lumps and flowering plant material emitting a pungent smell. Field testing confirmed the substance to be marijuana, commonly known as hydroponic weed.The seizure comprised 8.628 kg of hydroponic weed recovered from Gaba and 10.389 kg from Mahale, taking the total net weight to 19.017 kg.During questioning under Section 67 of the NDPS Act, both accused allegedly admitted carrying the contraband from Bangkok for monetary gain despite being aware of the legal consequences. They were arrested on June 20 and booked under various provisions of the NDPS Act relating to smuggling, possession and conspiracy.
