Man arrested at Mumbai airport for carrying marijuana worth Rs 15 crore

Mumbai Customs has arrested a traveller at the international airport here for allegedly trying to smuggle 15 kg of hydroponic weed with an estimated value of Rs 14.73 crore, officials said.

The contraband was concealed in a packet labelled as ‘Diplomatic Pouch of Ministry of External Affairs’, officials said on Sunday.

The traveller had landed at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport from Bangkok, an official said.

"During the examination of his baggage, Customs officials recovered 14.73 kg of suspected hydroponic weed (marijuana), with an illicit market value of approximately Rs 14.73 crore," he said, adding that the accused was trying to smuggle the contraband by falsely declaring the consignment as confidential diplomatic cargo linked to national security.

The contraband was concealed inside envelopes bearing purported Ministry of External Affairs markings and sealed with official MEA tape, he said, adding that the trolley bag also contained copies of various fake "top secret mission" reports.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.