Mumbai: The Mumbai Airport Customs on Thursday arrested a 37-year-old man from Kasargod, Kerala, for allegedly smuggling drugs valued at Rs 1.45 crore sourced from Bangkok.
According to the Customs sources, in the wee hours of Thursday they intercepted one passenger Sabith Mammuhaji, on the basis of specific input that he might be carrying some contraband items after he had arrived at CSMI Airport from Bangkok.
Thereafter the search of the baggage carried by the passenger was conducted by the Customs officers, who found clothes and six food boxes in his trolley bag. After opening all the six boxes it was found that each of the boxes concealed one packet containing Hydroponic Weed (Marijuana), a substance covered under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
The officials seized a total 1452 grams of drugs valued at Rs 1.45 crore. "In his statement he said he was aware that smuggling of Hydroponic Weed and other illegal drugs into India attracts stringent punishment. However, he was getting a handsome amount of quick and easy money in lieu of smuggling the contraband to India. He was then placed under arrest," said a Customs official.
He added, "The preliminary investigation carried out so far disclosed involvement of other persons who are yet to be traced. The investigations in the case are at a very preliminary stage and efforts are also being made to identify and apprehend key members of the drug cartel."
