Mumbai Customs Seize 52 Kg Hydroponic Weed Worth ₹52 Crore; Multiple Arrests Made

November 21, 2025

Mumbai: In a major crackdown on narcotics and smuggling, Mumbai Customs has seized 52.299 kg of suspected hydroponic weed, valued at over ₹52 crore, across 14 cases registered under the NDPS Act.

The operations led to the arrest of 15 passengers involved in trafficking the high-grade cannabis, often smuggled through international courier routes and passenger baggage.

Officials said the recovered substance is suspected to be hydroponic weed — a potent variety cultivated using water-based nutrient systems. The growing trend of trafficking premium synthetic and hydroponic cannabis has raised concerns about evolving smuggling methods.

In addition to the narcotics haul, Customs officers also intercepted 551 grams of 24-karat gold and 469.75 carats of diamonds, including lab-grown stones, in separate operations. All accused in these smuggling attempts have been arrested.

The seizures were made as part of intensified surveillance at Mumbai’s air terminals and cargo facilities. Officials stated that the department has increased profiling of high-risk passengers and strengthened monitoring of suspicious parcels.

Mumbai Customs shared details of the operation through an official update on X, highlighting the department’s continued efforts to curb narcotics trafficking and gold smuggling in the region.