2 nabbed at Mumbai airport while smuggling weed worth Rs 12 crore from Bangkok
Hydroponically grown marijuana or weed is a highly potent variant and is much more expensive. According to the customs department, officers received specific intelligence regarding the two passengers. Acting on it, Zone III officers intercepted the two as they arrived at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from Bangkok.
Their checked-in baggage was examined and multiple vacuum-sealed packets containing a greenish substance, purported to be hydroponic weed, were recovered weighing a total of 11.881 kg, customs officers stated on Sunday, adding that it had a market value of Rs 11.88 crore.
The contraband was concealed inside pillow covers kept in the trolley bag, officers said. On questioning, the two accused admitted to have smuggled the substance in lieu of hefty commission despite knowing that smuggling marijuana is banned in the country and can attract strict legal punishment. Both were subsequently arrested under relevant provisions of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
They were charged with sections pertaining to smuggling commercial quantities of marijuana, which once proved may attract 20 years of imprisonment. Customs officers are further investigating the matter and trying to find out more details of the racket operating behind the smuggling.
Earlier this month, Customs officers at the Mumbai airport arrested three women who were allegedly smuggling hydroponic weed or marijuana worth Rs 8.5 crore from Bangkok to India. During questioning, two of the women reportedly said they agreed to smuggle the contraband as they wanted a free trip to Thailand.
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