**Summary of Drug Seizure Operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA)**
**Overview**
On March 17, 2026, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs Zone–III conducted a significant overnight operation at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), resulting in the interception of multiple drug smuggling attempts.
**Operational Details and Seizures**
Using the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and spot profiling, AIU officers identified and intercepted four passengers arriving from Bangkok. The operation led to the following:
* **Contraband:** Approximately 64.394 kilograms of suspected hydroponic weed.
* **Market Value:** Estimated illicit value of ₹64.394 crore.
* **Arrests:** Four individuals were apprehended and arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Notably, one of the suspects is a foreign national, highlighting a shift in smuggling tactics involving foreign carriers for large quantities.
**Annual Performance Metrics (FY 2025–26)**
The Airport Commissionerate at CSMIA reported the following cumulative data for the financial year 2025–26 (up to March 18, 2026):
* **Total Hydroponic Weed Seized:** Over 1,330 kilograms.
* **Total Cases:** 244 cases.
* **Total Arrests:** 286 individuals.
**Contact and Release Information**
* **Issuing Authority:** PIB Mumbai (Ministry of Finance).
* **Media Contacts:** Sriyanka Chatterjee / Darshana Rane.
* **Email:** pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com.
* **Social Media:** @PIBMumbai (X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
* **Release ID:** 2242393.
Key Entities Referenced
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: The primary legislative framework under which the drug seizures and arrests were carried out by customs authorities.
Air Intelligence Unit (AIU), Mumbai Customs: The specialized enforcement division responsible for intelligence development and the interception of drug smuggling attempts.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai: The central location and primary point of applicability for the surveillance and enforcement operations described.
Advance Passenger Information system (APIS): A technical intelligence system utilized by enforcement officers to identify and screen suspicious passengers for smuggling activities.
Ministry of Finance
Air Intelligence Unit, Mumbai Customs,
intercepts multiple drug smuggling attempts at
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Posted On: 19 MAR 2026 1:39PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 19 March 2026
In a significant overnight operation on March 17, 2026, officers of the Air Intelligence Unit
(AIU), Mumbai Customs Zone–III demonstrated exceptional vigilance and coordination in
intercepting multiple drug smuggling attempts at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International
Airport (CSMIA).
Intelligence developed using Advance Passenger Information system (APIS) and Spot Profiling,
AIU officers identified and intercepted 04 passengers arriving from Bangkok, whose alertness
and timely intervention led to the detection of 04 cases involving the smuggling of suspected
hydroponic weed. A thorough examination resulted in the recovery of approximately 64.394
kilograms of the contraband, with an estimated illicit market value of ₹64.394 crore. Among
those apprehended one was foreign national, indicating new modus of involving foreign national
to carry large quantity. All 04 individuals have been placed under arrest in accordance with the
provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Notably, during the financial year 2025–26 up to March 18, 2026, the Airport Commissionerate
at CSMIA has seized over 1,330 kilograms of hydroponic weed across 244 cases, resulting in the
arrest of 286 individuals. This reflects sustained enforcement efforts and reinforces the
department’s zero-tolerance approach toward drug smuggling.* * *
PIB Mumbai | Sriyanka Chatterjee/Darshana Rane
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