In a stunning display of narcotics smuggling ingenuity, authorities at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have foiled an elaborate attempt to smuggle high-grade hydroponic marijuana into India. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted contraband worth a staggering ₹42 crore, cleverly disguised as innocent food items arriving from the United States and Canada.
The Elaborate Concealment
What appeared to be regular food shipments containing items like corn flakes, chocolates, and assorted snacks turned out to be something far more sinister. Upon careful inspection, DRI officials discovered that these seemingly ordinary packages contained premium quality hydroponic weed, a sophisticated cultivation method that produces significantly more potent marijuana than traditional methods.
Massive Quantity Uncovered
The scale of the operation became apparent as officials meticulously examined the consignments. The total seizure amounted to approximately 84 kilograms of the high-value contraband, with an estimated street value of ₹42 crore. This makes it one of the most significant drug interceptions at the Mumbai airport in recent times.
International Connections
Investigations have revealed that the illicit shipments originated from multiple locations in the United States and Canada, indicating a well-organized international smuggling network. The drugs were strategically packed to evade detection by standard security screening procedures.
Ongoing Investigation
DRI officials have launched a comprehensive investigation to track down all individuals involved in this sophisticated smuggling operation. Authorities are examining shipping documents, consignee details, and tracking the money trail to dismantle the entire network behind this massive drug smuggling attempt.
The successful interception highlights the heightened vigilance of Indian customs and revenue intelligence authorities at international entry points, particularly amid increasing attempts to smuggle narcotics through creative concealment methods.
