Customs officials at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai seized 9.5 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis on Sunday, valued at approximately Rs 10 crore. One passenger has been arrested in connection with the case. A criminal case has been registered against the accused under the Customs Act.
According to officials, the accused had arrived in Mumbai from Bangkok with the intention of smuggling the narcotics into the country.
The Customs officers detained 31-year-old Kawaljeet Singh based on suspicion. Singh had flown in from Bangkok on Sunday. His movements raised suspicion, following which he was intercepted and subjected to a thorough search. Initially, nothing incriminating was found on his person. However, upon checking his trolley bag, officers discovered 20 packets hidden among other items.
The packets contained green leaves, which were later confirmed to be cannabis upon inspection.
Officials revealed that Singh was fully aware that he was smuggling the contraband. He was working for a drug trafficking syndicate in exchange for money. Customs officials stated that the charges against Singh are of a very serious nature and he could face imprisonment of up to 20 years if convicted.