Mumbai Airport: Customs Arrest Mother-Son Duo for Smuggling Rs 8 Crore Worth of Drugs From Bangkok

A mother and son have been arrested by Mumbai Airport Customs for allegedly smuggling narcotics worth nearly Rs 8 crore from Bangkok. Officials said the duo had hidden the contraband inside 40 packets disguised as food items to avoid detection. During questioning, both admitted that they had agreed to transport the illegal substances after being promised a free foreign trip. The accused, residents of Nalasopara, reportedly believed the offer was an easy opportunity, but their plan was foiled upon arrival, leading to their detention and subsequent arrest by authorities.

According to officials, the interception was carried out by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) on Saturday when the two passengers arrived from Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur. Acting on suspicion, officers stopped the duo and began a detailed inspection. The accused informed authorities that they had travelled to Bangkok on April 18. During the baggage check, officers discovered 40 plastic packets concealed within food packages. When these packets were opened, a strong and unpleasant smell was noticed coming from a green, dry, leafy substance in lump form, raising further suspicion among the officials.

Further examination confirmed that the seized material tested positive for narcotic content, suspected to be hydroponic weed, which falls under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The total weight of the recovered substance was found to be 7,937 grams, with an estimated market value of around Rs 8 crore. During their statements, the duo admitted to knowingly carrying, concealing, and failing to declare the contraband. They also acknowledged their role in transporting what they understood to be a prohibited narcotic substance obtained during their trip.

Customs officials stated that the investigation is still at an early stage and efforts are underway to trace the larger network behind the operation. Authorities are trying to determine who recruited the duo for the task, as well as identify the source of the drugs in Bangkok and intended recipients in India. The agency is also examining possible links to organised smuggling syndicates operating across international routes. Officials emphasised that further arrests may follow as the probe progresses and more details emerge.

Advocate Birendra Yadav represented the accused during court proceedings. Following the hearing, the court ordered that both individuals be sent to judicial custody while the investigation continues. Authorities maintained that strict legal action will be pursued under relevant provisions of the law, considering the quantity and value of the seized narcotics. The case highlights ongoing concerns about drug trafficking through international travel routes and the methods used by smugglers to evade detection at airports.