**Mumbai Customs Officers Arrest Two Individuals for Smuggling Hydroponic Weed Valued at Rs 24 Crore**

Mumbai Airport Customs officers have apprehended two persons, including a woman, in separate cases involving the smuggling of hydroponic weed collectively valued at Rs 24 crore.

### Passenger from Bangkok Intercepted

According to Customs sources, on Monday, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers intercepted Aswant Kumar (30), a resident of Jalandhar, on suspicion of carrying contraband. Kumar had just arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International (CSMI) Airport, Mumbai, from Bangkok.

Upon examining his check-in baggage, officers discovered 12 packets containing greenish, dry flowering and fruiting substances in lump form. These tested positive for hydroponic weed (marijuana), classified under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The substance weighed 17.86 kg, with an illicit market value of Rs 17.86 crore.

In his statement to Customs officials, Kumar admitted awareness of the stringent punishments related to smuggling hydroponic weed and other illegal drugs into India. Subsequently, he was arrested on Tuesday.

### Passenger from Phuket Intercepted

In a separate case, Customs officers intercepted Tasnumnnisa Shaikh, a resident of Ambernath, Thane, after her arrival from Phuket on Monday. Upon inspecting her trolley bag, officers found 45 packets containing a green, dry leafy substance in lump form. This also tested positive for hydroponic weed, weighing 6.37 kg.

Shaikh admitted to the non-declaration and concealment of the narcotics substance during her statement to Customs authorities, following which she was taken into custody.

### Investigation Ongoing

Preliminary investigations in both cases have revealed the involvement of other individuals who are yet to be identified and apprehended. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest key associates involved in the hydroponic weed smuggling network.

Officials confirmed that the investigations are still at an early stage.

### Legal Proceedings

Advocates Arun Gupta, Birender Yadav, and Priti Singh appeared for the arrested accused persons in court. Following the hearings, the accused were remanded to judicial custody.

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https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-airport-customs-arrest-2-passengers-for-smuggling-hydroponic-weed-worth-24-crore-at-csmia